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SMART Certified Dentist in Valley Village, CA
Safe mercury amalgam removal, done by the protocol.
Dr. Babrood is IAOMT SMART-certified, meaning she follows the evidence-based Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique to protect you, your family, and the practice team from mercury vapor exposure during amalgam removal.
RATED 5.0 ACROSS 190+ REVIEWS·MERCURY-SAFE · IAOMT · FICD · ICD·FLUORIDE-FREE PRACTICE·INSURANCE + RITEPLAN·SAME-DAY EMERGENCIES
Certification
SMART
IAOMT’s highest standard for amalgam removal
Protection measures
12+
safety steps per the IAOMT SMART protocol
Mercury in fillings
50%
amalgam fillings are approximately 50% mercury by weight
IAOMT · MERCURY-SAFE · BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY
What Is the SMART Protocol?
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is the IAOMT’s evidence-based set of procedures for removing old silver amalgam fillings while minimizing mercury vapor exposure. Call 818-766-7776 to discuss your amalgam removal with Dr. Babrood.
Dental amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% mercury by weight. When amalgam is drilled, it releases mercury vapor that can be inhaled. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) developed the SMART protocol to address this risk using a specific set of protective measures before, during, and after removal.
Not all dentists who call themselves “mercury-free” follow SMART. Mercury-free simply means a practice does not place new amalgam fillings. Mercury-safe means the removal of existing amalgam is performed with proper protective protocols. Dr. Babrood is SMART-certified, which represents the highest standard of mercury amalgam removal training offered by the IAOMT.
THE PROTOCOL
How SMART removal protects you.
01
Protective barriers for you
You receive a nasal cannula delivering clean air, protective draping over your body, and a sealed rubber dam over the tooth to prevent swallowing amalgam particles.
02
Chunk removal technique
Rather than grinding the amalgam into fine particles, we section the filling into large chunks and remove them quickly, dramatically reducing the amount of vapor generated.
03
High-volume evacuation
A powerful suction system positioned near the tooth captures mercury vapor as it is released, preventing it from entering the room air or your respiratory system.
Mercury-Free vs. Mercury-Safe: What Is the Difference?
Mercury-free means a dental practice no longer places new amalgam fillings. This is now common. Mercury-safe means the practice also follows a protective protocol when removing old amalgam, acknowledging that the removal process generates significant mercury vapor.
Rite Dentist is both mercury-free and mercury-safe. We never place amalgam, and when we remove old amalgam fillings, Dr. Babrood follows the full IAOMT SMART protocol. We also pair amalgam removal with biocompatible replacement restorations: tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to remove amalgam fillings?
When removed using the SMART protocol, amalgam removal is considered safe. The protocol uses protective barriers, chunk-removal technique, and high-volume evacuation to minimize mercury vapor exposure. The risk of unprotected removal is higher than leaving amalgam in place, which is why choosing a SMART-certified dentist matters if you want your old fillings replaced.
Should I get my amalgam fillings removed?
This is a personal decision. If your amalgam fillings are intact and causing no problems, some practitioners recommend leaving them undisturbed. If they are cracked, old, or you are experiencing sensitivity, removal may be warranted. Dr. Babrood will assess each filling individually and give you an honest recommendation, not pressure you into unnecessary removal.
What replaces the amalgam fillings?
We replace amalgam with tooth-colored composite resin or ceramic inlays and onlays, depending on the size and location of the filling. These biocompatible materials are mercury-free, BPA-free, and match your natural tooth color.
How long does SMART removal take?
Each filling takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to remove safely and replace. If you have multiple fillings, we typically space them out over multiple visits to reduce the amount of any trace exposure and allow your body time between sessions. We can discuss a removal schedule at your consultation.
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
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SMART Amalgam Removal in Valley Village, CA
Rite Dentist is located at 12520 Magnolia Blvd, Suite 205, Valley Village. Dr. Babrood, DDS, FICD follows the full IAOMT SMART protocol for every amalgam removal. Call 818-766-7776 or book online to schedule your consultation.
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