SMART Protocol — Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal

SMART Protocol — Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal | Richmond Dental Spa
SMART Protocol · Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal
ENES
Richmond Dental Spa — Biological & Mercury-Safe Dentistry

Remove it safely.
Not just quickly.

SMART Protocol — Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique · IAOMT Recommended Protocol · Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS

Old silver fillings contain roughly 50% mercury. Removing them safely requires more than a drill — it requires isolation, high-volume suction, and clean air protection. Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS, follows the IAOMT’s SMART protocol on every amalgam removal.

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IAOMT Protocol
High-Volume Suction
Clean Air Protection
Dr. Firas Albadran performing safe mercury amalgam removal using extra-oral suction and full SMART protocol protective equipment at Richmond Dental Spa
Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS
SMART Protocol · Extra-Oral Suction · Richmond, VA
Understanding the Risk

Drilling out mercury the wrong way creates exposure.

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Mercury vapor release

Grinding an amalgam filling without proper containment releases mercury vapor and fine particles into the air you and your dental team breathe.

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Swallowed particles

Without proper isolation, amalgam fragments and mercury-laden water can be swallowed or absorbed through oral tissue during removal.

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Not all removal is equal

Standard removal with just a mask and suction leaves gaps. The IAOMT developed SMART specifically because conventional precautions weren’t enough.

Dr. Firas Albadran in full SMART protocol PPE performing safe mercury amalgam removal at Richmond Dental Spa
The Protocol

The SMART 7-Step Protocol

Developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), every step exists to reduce mercury exposure for you, our team, and the environment.

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1
Pre-Treatment Rinse
An activated charcoal rinse before treatment begins helps bind stray particles in the mouth.
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2
Isolation
A non-latex rubber dam or DryShield isolation system seals off the tooth completely from the rest of the mouth.
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3
High-Volume Suction
DryShield high-volume evacuation sits right at the source, continuously pulling vapor and particles away as they’re released.
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4
Clean Air Supply
An external nasal mask delivers clean air or oxygen, so you never breathe the surrounding treatment air.
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5
Sectioning Technique
The amalgam is cut into large chunks and removed in pieces — rather than ground down — minimizing airborne particles.
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6
Water Irrigation
Continuous cold water cools the tooth and captures debris throughout the entire procedure.
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7
Post-Removal Care
A thorough rinse and room air filtration clear the area, then your biocompatible replacement material is placed.
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+
Full Team Protection
Our entire clinical team wears respiratory masks, face shields, and protective gear throughout — protection isn’t just for the patient.
The Technology

The DryShield Isolation System

A single-use, disposable isolation system that combines high-volume suction with complete moisture control — the technology behind Steps 2 and 3 of the SMART protocol.

DryShield Isolation System — optimized moisture control and visibility, single-use disposable
The Device
DryShield Isolation System
A single-use disposable device combining continuous high-volume suction, tongue/cheek retraction, and full moisture control in one compact tool — sealing off the treatment area from the rest of the mouth.
Patient with DryShield isolation system in place during dental treatment
In Practice
Isolation & Suction, Together
Once positioned, DryShield continuously evacuates vapor and particles right at the source — the same moment they’re released — while keeping the treatment area completely sealed off.
NXT Hg5 amalgam separator installed in-house at Richmond Dental Spa for mercury waste management
Environmental Safety
In-House Amalgam Separator
Our NXT Hg5 amalgam separator captures mercury waste before it ever leaves the treatment room — protecting the water supply and environment, not just the patient chair.
Side by Side

SMART vs. Standard Removal

Standard Removal
SMART Protocol (IAOMT)
Isolation
Cotton rolls only, if any
Rubber dam / DryShield full isolation
Suction
Standard saliva ejector
High-volume suction at the source
Air Protection
None — patient breathes room air
External nasal mask with clean air
Removal Technique
Ground down with high-speed drill
Sectioned into large chunks
Team Protection
Standard mask only
Respirator masks, face shields, full PPE
Your Specialist

Why Dr. A

Dr. Firas Albadran DDS performing SMART protocol
“There is no safe level of mercury exposure. When we remove an old amalgam filling, we treat that moment with the same seriousness as the original decision to place it never should have been.”
— Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS (Dr. A)
SMART Protocol · IAOMT Recommended

Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS — known to his patients as Dr. A — practices biological dentistry with a mercury-free, whole-body philosophy. Every amalgam removal at Richmond Dental Spa follows the IAOMT’s SMART protocol without exception.

General Dentist, DDS — Advanced Fotona TwinLight Laser Training
Fotona Training Center, Lake Forest, CA — May 2026
Mercury-Free Practice — no amalgam ever placed at Richmond Dental Spa
Biocompatible Materials — restorations selected to work with your body, not against it
Advanced Biologics & Bone Grafting — GEM 21S, OraGen, Fotona protocols
Photobiomodulation (PBM) — advanced laser healing and pain management
Common Questions

We have answers

Is amalgam removal safe?
When performed following the IAOMT SMART protocol — isolation, high-volume suction, clean air, and sectioning — mercury exposure is significantly reduced for both patient and dental team.
What replaces the amalgam filling?
We use biocompatible composite or ceramic restorations — no mercury, ever placed at Richmond Dental Spa.
How many visits are needed?
This depends on how many amalgam fillings you have. Dr. A will map out a personalized removal plan during your consultation.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will review your benefits before treatment. Call us at (804) 750-1080 for a benefits check.
Should I remove amalgam if I have no symptoms?
Many patients choose removal proactively as part of a whole-body health approach. Dr. A will discuss your specific situation and goals during consultation.
Are pregnant patients able to have amalgam removed?
The IAOMT does not recommend amalgam removal during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a safety precaution. We’re happy to discuss timing during a consultation.

Ready for a safer removal?

Start with a question, or schedule directly — Dr. A’s team responds the same day.

Not ready to commit? Start here.

Request a Consultation

Tell us about your fillings and concerns. Dr. A’s team will reach out personally — same day.

Ready to schedule?

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(804) 750-1080
Mon – Fri · Available Same Day
Exterior of Richmond Dental Spa located at 9305 Quioccasin Road Suite A, Richmond VA 23229 — biological and holistic dental practice serving Short Pump and Henrico County

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Richmond Dental Spa — Dr. Firas Albadran, DDS · SMART Protocol · IAOMT Recommended · Richmond, Virginia

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