The Science Archives

Based on up-to-date scientific research, the IAOMT has developed rigorous recommendations for removing existing dental mercury amalgam fillings to assist in reducing the potential negative health outcomes of mercury exposure to patients, dental professionals, dental students, office staff, and others. The IAOMT’s recommendations are known as the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART). To learn more about the science behind SMART, choose from one of these two options.

To access scientific research related to the specific engineering controls used at the dental office to mitigate mercury exposures during amalgam removal, click on the button below:

INSERT BUTTON READING: Selected Research Relevant to SMART

To read the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique with scientific citations, click on the button below:

INSERT BUTTON READING: SMART Recommendations with Citations

In-use barrier integrity of gloves: latex and nitrile superior to vinyl

This study indicates that the latex and nitrile gloves evaluated were comparable in terms of barrier performance characteristics both unused and during manipulations mimicking patient care procedures. Whereas stretch vinyl exhibited lower failure rates than standard vinyl, the higher in-use leakage rates associated with all vinyl gloves tested indicate decreased durability and, potentially, compromised barrier protection when this synthetic is used. Careful consideration to the degree of barrier effectiveness should be given before glove selection when the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens or biohazard risks is a concern.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:25:27+00:00October 1st, 1999|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1999, American Journal of Infection Control, selected-research|

Cerebrospinal fluid protein changes in multiple sclerosis after dental amalgam removal

A relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and dental silver-mercury fillings has been suggested by some investigators, but never proven. This study documents objective biochemical changes following the removal of these fillings along with other dental materials, utilizing a new health care model of multidisciplinary planning and treatment.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:06:58+00:00August 1st, 1998|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1998, Alternative Medicine Review, selected-research|

Systemic transfer of mercury from amalgam fillings before and after cessation of emission

Within 9 days after removal of the fillings, a transient increase was observed in plasma Hg levels only. This was reduced in those volunteers to whom a rubber dam had been applied during removal. Peak plasma Hg was 0.6 ng/ml on average and decreased with halftimes between 5 and 13 days. A significant decrease in Hg excretion was noted not before 100 days after removal. Being relatively insensitive to dietary mercury, the determination of total mercury in plasma and of its urinary excretion rate appears, under practical aspects, most suitable for the investigation of Hg uptake from amalgam.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:06:07+00:00May 1st, 1998|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1998, Environmental Research, selected-research|

Mercury levels in plasma and urine after removal of all amalgam restorations: the effect of using rubber dams

The study showed that dental amalgam had a statistically significant impact on the mercury levels found in plasma and urine in the patients tested, and that the use of a rubber dam during removal of all amalgam restorations significantly reduced the peak of mercury in plasma following removal.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:05:16+00:00September 1st, 1997|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1997, Dental Materials, selected-research|

Mercury from maternal “silver” tooth fillings in sheep and human breast milk

It was concluded that Hg [mercury] originating from maternal amalgam tooth fillings transfers across the placenta to the fetus, across the mammary gland into milk ingested by the newborn, and ultimately into neonatal body tissues. Comparisons are made to the U.S. minimal risk level recently established for adult Hg exposure. These findings suggest, that placement and removal of “silver” tooth fillings in pregnant and lactating humans will subject the fetus and neonate to unnecessary risk of Hg exposure.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:03:20+00:00February 1st, 1997|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1997, Biological Trace Element Research, selected-research|

Mercury levels and discharge in waste water from dental clinics

It was concluded that Hg is released with the waste water from dental clinics. Several hundred grams of Hg clinic−1 may be discharged annually with the waste water. Installation of efficient amalgam separators may reduce the Hg outlet markedly.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T23:02:27+00:00January 1st, 1996|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1996, selected-research, Water Air and Soil Pollution|

Dental amalgam – environmental aspects

Major amalgam particles from trituration surplus of those produced during the carving and burnishing of new amalgam restorations are generally collected in coarse filters and sold for refinement. Minor amalgam particles released by production of new fillings or by removal of old restorations partly sediment in tubes and drains. The remaining particles are carried with the waste water stream to the local purifying plant.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T22:31:53+00:00September 1st, 1992|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1992, Advances in Dental Research, selected-research|

Mercury from dental amalgams: exposure and effects

Mercury from dental amalgams: exposure and effects

There is no doubt that dental mercury should be taken into consideration as a possible etiological factor when considering neurological, immunological and endocrinological diseases of unknown etiology. Protective measures during amalgam removal and prospects for alternative dental materials are discussed.

theSMARTchoice2022-12-19T00:32:22+00:00January 1st, 1992|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1992, selected-research|

Particulate inhalation during the removal of amalgam restorations

The use of a rubber dam, together with water spray and high-velocity evacuation, was responsible for a further significant reduction of exposure to particles when compared with water spray and high-velocity evacuation alone. The dentist, however, was exposed to moderate levels of fully respirable particles for all conditions tested. It is therefore recommended that all dental personnel wear face masks while removing existing amalgam restorations.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T22:29:10+00:00February 1st, 1990|Categories: The Science|Tags: 1990, selected-research|

Mercury vapour released during the removal of old amalgam restorations

To reduce the exposure of the dentist and the assistant to volatile mercury it is essential to establish high volume aspiration of the patient’s mouth in addition to effective water cooling of the bur.

theSMARTchoice2018-03-11T22:26:54+00:00October 1st, 1985|Categories: The Science|Tags: selected-research|

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