For decades, amalgam fillings were considered the gold standard of dental restorations. Durable, inexpensive, and easy to place, they filled millions of cavities across the world. But amalgam is roughly 50% mercury by weight — and mercury is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances on earth.
What the research shows
The scientific debate around amalgam toxicity is no longer a fringe conversation. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals have documented measurable mercury vapor release from amalgam fillings during chewing, brushing, and drinking hot beverages. This vapor is absorbed through the lungs and distributed systemically. For most healthy adults, the body manages this exposure. For others — particularly those with kidney dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, or certain genetic variants — chronic low-level mercury exposure may be contributing to systemic inflammation, fatigue, cognitive fogginess, and other non-specific symptoms.
The SMART protocol
At Springs Holistic Dentists, we are certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) in the SMART protocol — Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. SMART is a rigorous set of procedures designed to minimize mercury exposure during the removal process: rubber dams, high-volume evacuation, sectioning (rather than grinding) the filling, supplemental oxygen for the patient, and air filtration in the operatory. We don't just swap out old metal for white composite — we protect you, our team, and the environment throughout the process.
What replaces amalgam
We replace amalgam with composite resin that is BPA-free, metal-free, and bonded directly to your tooth structure using biomimetic techniques. The result is a restoration that is nearly invisible, strengthens the tooth rather than wedging it apart over time, and contains no materials with documented systemic health concerns.
If you have amalgam fillings and are concerned about mercury exposure, we encourage you to come in for a conversation. We'll evaluate your current restorations, discuss the risks and benefits of removal, and help you make an informed decision — without pressure.