Origin Dental Wellness in Tulsa performs SMART-certified mercury amalgam removal to protect patient, staff, and environmental health. We’re aware of the dangers of mercury vapor and use safeguards in safe silver filling removal through a biological, whole-body approach.
Key Takeaways:
- Mercury in old fillings releases harmful vapor absorbed by the body.
- The SMART protocol ensures safe containment and air protection.
- Specialized tools like HEPA filters and amalgam separators prevent exposure.
- Nutritional and ozone therapies support detox and healing.
- Biocompatible, metal-free restorations replace toxic materials.
- SMART-certified biological dentists provide scientifically backed, holistic care.
Many people still carry the “silver” fillings placed years ago, assuming they are harmless. Yet, these restorations, known as mercury amalgam fillings, contain roughly half mercury, a metal now recognized for its potential effects on human health and the environment. Over time, tiny amounts of vapor can be released through daily activities such as chewing or grinding teeth.
Origin Dental Wellness in Tulsa is a SMART-certified biological dental practice dedicated to the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings using evidence-based protection protocols. Our approach follows the standards set by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) to protect you, our team, and the planet. Read on to understand each step of our mercury-safe removal process, why it matters, and how it supports your long-term wellness.
Why Safe Mercury Removal Protects Your Health
Silver fillings release mercury vapor continuously. Typical steady-state mercury release from a single filling is estimated at about 0.03 micrograms per day, although chewing and brushing can temporarily increase this amount. This exposure continues for years or decades.
Mercury is toxic to human health. The World Health Organization identifies it as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. Studies confirm mercury accumulates in your brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Your body absorbs about 80% of inhaled mercury vapor directly into your bloodstream. From there, it distributes throughout your body. The greatest concentrations accumulate in brain tissue and vital organs.
Removing dental amalgam fillings without proper safety precautions can release high levels of mercury vapor, measuring approximately 15-20 micrograms per filling. This exposure can be up to ten times higher than daily mercury vapor release from intact fillings, occurring within minutes of removal.
The EPA reports that dental offices discharge approximately 5.1 tons of mercury into wastewater annually when separators aren’t used properly. Safe silver filling removal protects both personal and environmental health.
Understanding the SMART Protocol
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology developed these research-based protocols. SMART certification requires specialized dentist training.
Dr. Shannon Toler is SMART certified and an accredited IAOMT member. She’s one of the few holistic dentists in Oklahoma with this specialized training.
Her credentials include:
- DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
- AIAOMT (Accredited IAOMT Member)
- FAAOSH (Fellow, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health)
We are mercury-free AND mercury-safe. That distinction matters greatly. Mercury-free dentists don’t place new amalgam fillings. Mercury-safe dentists like us use special techniques to remove existing amalgam safely.
Core SMART Protocol Elements:
Containment Systems – Physical barriers prevent mercury from entering your throat or airways during the procedure
- Clean Air Supply: You breathe 100% pure oxygen, never contaminated room air
- High-Volume Evacuation: Specialized suction captures mercury vapor at the source
- Air Filtration: Advanced HEPA systems remove mercury from the operatory environment
- Proper Disposal: EPA-approved separators collect waste for certified recycling
We invest in specialized equipment that most dental offices don’t have. This includes our dedicated air filtration system and amalgam separators meeting federal requirements.
Step-by-Step: Our Safe Amalgam Removal Process
Pre-Removal Consultation and Health Assessment
Your mercury-safe journey begins with a thorough health evaluation. We review your medical history and assess factors affecting mercury detoxification. This includes examining kidney function, immune system health, and neurological status.
Dr. Toler’s Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition allows her to provide guidance that most dentists cannot offer. She evaluates your nutritional status before the removal of mercury begins. Specific nutrients support your body’s natural detoxification:
- Selenium from Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs
- Glutathione precursors from garlic and cruciferous vegetables
- Vitamin C from citrus fruits, peppers, and berries
- Sulfur amino acids from onions, eggs, and quality protein sources
Some patients benefit from biocompatibility testing. We collaborate with specialists who test your individual reactions to replacement materials. This ensures we select restorations your body tolerates optimally.
Protection Measures During Mercury Removal
On procedure day, multiple protective layers go into place before we begin:
Rubber Dam Isolation
A non-latex nitrile rubber dam creates a complete physical barrier. This isolates the treatment tooth from your throat and digestive system entirely.
Pure Oxygen Supply
You receive 100% oxygen through a nasal mask throughout the entire procedure. Every breath comes from this clean, pure source. You never breathe room air during amalgam removal.
Wally Air Filtration System
We call our specialized air filtration system “Wally.” This high-volume HEPA filtration equipment was designed specifically to capture mercury vapor and particles during the removal process. Wally filters mercury from the operatory air to protect both you and our team.
High-Volume Suction
An evacuation device positioned inches from your mouth captures mercury vapor instantly. This prevents any vapor from entering the operatory air before filtration.
Complete Protective Equipment
Everyone in the treatment room wears protective gowns, face shields, specialized masks, and non-latex nitrile gloves. We protect our team members with the same rigor we protect you.
The “Cut and Chunk” Removal Method
We use what’s called the “cut and chunk” sectioning technique. This method minimizes heat generation and mercury vaporization dramatically.
Heat increases mercury vapor release significantly. We section your filling into large pieces rather than grinding it completely away. Using a small-diameter carbide bur, we carefully cut the amalgam into chunks. These sections lift out intact.
Copious water irrigation keeps everything cool throughout the process. The continuous water stream prevents any temperature increase that would release additional vapor. This cooling technique is essential to the SMART protocol.
A saliva ejector positioned under the rubber dam provides additional protection. This continuously removes any fluids that might contain mercury particles.
Charcoal Slurry Rinse Protocol
Before we begin the removal procedure, you rinse with activated charcoal slurry. This natural binding agent helps capture any mercury particles that might be ingested during the process.
Activated charcoal binds mercury in your digestive system, preventing absorption and promoting safe elimination. This simple yet effective measure adds an extra layer of protection during mercury amalgam removal.
EPA-Compliant Waste Management
Mercury waste from Origin Dental Wellness never enters Tulsa’s water system. We maintain an EPA-approved amalgam separator as required by federal regulations. This device captures at least 95% of mercury particles.
The separator collects amalgam waste in sealed containers. When containers reach capacity, EPA-certified recycling services collect them for proper processing. The captured mercury undergoes appropriate recycling procedures.
We maintain comprehensive records of all maintenance activities and waste disposal. This documentation maintains environmental compliance and accountability.
Biocompatible Restoration Options
After safe removal, we restore your tooth with metal-free materials. The optimal option depends on your tooth’s condition after we remove the amalgam filling.
Composite Fillings
Tooth-colored composite resin works well for smaller to moderate restorations. Our composites are completely BPA-free and fluoride-free.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
For larger restorations, we mill crowns from Emax ceramic right in our office. You receive your permanent crown the same day. Emax lithium disilicate porcelain is completely metal-free and highly biocompatible.
Inlays and Onlays
For moderate-sized restorations, ceramic inlays or onlays provide excellent strength and natural appearance.
There is never an additional charge for safe mercury amalgam removal at our practice. Your only cost is the new restoration needed to replace the removed amalgam.
Post-Removal Support and Healing
Ozone Therapy Application
After removal completes, we apply ozone therapy to the treatment site. Ozone is a powerful non-toxic antimicrobial agent. Research published in medical journals shows it eliminates bacteria without toxic side effects.
Ozone supports your body’s natural healing processes. It reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue repair. This therapy is part of every restoration we perform at Origin Dental Wellness.
Nutritional Detoxification Guidance
Dr. Toler provides personalized nutritional counseling following your procedure. Mercury detoxification depends heavily on proper nutritional support.
Key Detoxification Nutrients:
- Selenium: Binds mercury and protects sensitive tissues
- Glutathione: Your body’s master detoxification molecule
- Vitamin C: Supports chelation and immune system function
- Alpha-lipoic acid: Crosses the blood-brain barrier to support neurological detoxification
Foods rich in sulfur-containing amino acids support your body’s glutathione production.
Adequate hydration and dietary fiber help your body excrete mercury through natural elimination pathways.
Your Recovery Timeline
Days 1-3
Focus on rest and proper hydration. Continue charcoal supplementation as we recommend. Eat nutrient-dense whole foods. Avoid alcohol and processed foods that burden your liver’s detoxification capacity.
Weeks 1-4
Support your detoxification pathways with selenium-rich foods and adequate high-quality protein. Many patients report improved energy levels and better sleep quality during this phase.
Months 1-6
Your body continues reducing its mercury burden. Some patients notice improvements in symptoms they didn’t realize might be mercury-related. These can include enhanced mental clarity, reduced fatigue, and improved immune function.
Individual responses vary considerably. We cannot guarantee specific health outcomes. Removing a chronic mercury exposure source supports your body’s innate healing capacity.
Biological Dentistry and Whole-Body Health
We practice biological dentistry at Origin Dental Wellness. This philosophy means we recognize the fundamental connection between oral health and systemic wellbeing throughout your entire body.
Research consistently links oral bacteria to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. The American Journal of Cardiology instructs cardiologists to refer patients with inflamed or bleeding gums for dental care. Periodontal bacteria can contribute to heart attack and stroke risk.
When we remove mercury amalgam safely, we eliminate chronic exposure that has released vapor daily for years or decades. This represents a meaningful step in reducing your overall toxic burden.
Our Biological Approach Includes:
- CBCT 3D imaging for comprehensive diagnosis
- Microscopic biofilm analysis to evaluate your oral bacteria
- Ozone therapy for non-toxic infection control
- PRP and PRF from your own blood to accelerate healing
- Nutritional counseling for prevention and healing support
- Biocompatible, metal-free restorative materials with compatibility testing available
We understand that cavity prevention begins with proper nutrition, not just brushing habits. Dr. Toler’s training in holistic nutrition provides insights most dentists simply cannot offer their patients.
Choosing Mercury Removal Dentists in Tulsa
Not all dentists who claim mercury-safe removal actually follow proper protocols. Verify these qualifications carefully:
SMART Certification
Confirm your dentist completed official IAOMT SMART training. Request to see certification documentation.
IAOMT Accreditation
Accredited membership (AIAOMT) demonstrates a genuine commitment to biological dentistry principles and ongoing continuing education.
Specialized Equipment
Verify the practice maintains HEPA air filtration systems, EPA-compliant amalgam separators, and complete protective equipment for everyone present.
Nutritional Training
Mercury detoxification requires nutritional support. Look for dentists with holistic nutrition credentials beyond basic dental training.
Biocompatibility Testing
Verify that the practice offers or collaborates with providers who can test material compatibility for your individual body chemistry.
Origin Dental Wellness meets all these professional standards. We’re one of the very few biological dentists in Oklahoma with SMART certification and IAOMT accreditation. Dr. Toler is a mercury removal dentist with Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition with qualifications that enable her to provide health-centered dental care.
We serve health-conscious people throughout Oklahoma and beyond our region. Many patients travel from Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, and other areas specifically for our mercury-safe services.
Choose SMART-Certified Mercury Amalgam Removal with Origin Dental Wellness in Tulsa
Safe amalgam removal protects your health rather than compromising it. The SMART protocol represents decades of scientific research into proper removal techniques that minimize exposure.
Choosing SMART-certified removal is an important step toward reducing toxic burden and supporting optimal wellness. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and expertise.
Ready to learn more about safe mercury amalgam removal? Visit our Contact Page to schedule your consultation with Dr. Toler. We’ll answer all your questions and help you understand your personalized options. We’re open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30-3:30, and Tuesday from 8:30-4:30. We’re closed Fridays, weekends, and holidays.
