The previously popular silver
fillings are no longer used in dentistry. They have been completely replaced by
Tooth-colored fillings.
Why replace silver fillings?
No doubt, silver amalgam
fillings were one of the most durable fillings. But in doing silver fillings,
silver powder is mixed with mercury, and mercury today is a proven health and
environmental hazard. Every time a hot food is consumed, mercury vapor leaches
out of the restoration and goes inside the body. The inhalation of mercury vapor can produce harmful
effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and
may be fatal. The inorganic
salts of mercury are corrosive to the skin, eyes and gastrointestinal tract,
and may induce kidney toxicity if ingested.
Another major reason for replacement of silver fillings is for the
esthetic concerns.
What is SMART protocol for silver filling removal?
These are a set of guidelines issued by International Academy of Oral
Medicine and Toxicology(IAOMT) to eliminate mercury exposure to the patient
as well as to address the environmental concerns regarding safe disposal of
mercury. It includes use of rubber dam, supplemntal oxygen, high speed cutting
drills with copious irrigation just to name a few. For more detail, please
visit https://dental-clinic-delhi.com/safe-mercury-amalgam-removal-technique
Why use SMART protocol?
SMART protocol is for the benefit of both the patient and the operator.
The heat generated during cutting for removal of silver fillings also
produces mercury vapor. To minimize this exposure of the body. SMART protocol
is recommended. It shields the body from the effect of these vapors. At
the same time the removed silver filling containing mercury is properly
isolated to prevent its release along with effluent waste causing environmental
pollution.
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