- (210) 499-0009
- 17147 Autry Pond Rd. Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78247
SMART-Certified Mercury Amalgam Removal in San Antonio, Texas
Removing an old “silver” filling is not the same as removing an ordinary dental restoration.
Dental amalgams contain mercury, and the removal process requires drilling that generates mercury-containing vapor and particles. For patients choosing to have an amalgam restoration removed, Dr. Cornelius believes the procedure should be approached thoughtfully, carefully, and with specific measures designed to reduce unnecessary exposure.
Dr. Cornelius is SMART Certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and is also an IAOMT Biological Certified dentist.
These credentials represent advanced education and training in biological dentistry as well as the IAOMT's specific protocols for the safe removal of mercury amalgam fillings.
For patients seeking safe mercury amalgam removal in San Antonio, Dr. Cornelius follows the IAOMT's Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique—known as SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.
Developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), SMART is a set of recommendations designed to reduce mercury exposure to the patient, dental team, and environment during the removal of existing mercury amalgam restorations.
Rather than simply drilling out an amalgam filling using conventional techniques, SMART incorporates multiple layers of protection and specialized equipment throughout the procedure.
For Dr. Cornelius, SMART is not an optional add-on to amalgam removal. It is an important part of how he approaches the procedure to protect both his patient, assistant and himself from high levels of mercury exposure.
There is an important distinction between a dentist who simply offers “mercury-free” dentistry and a dentist who has completed the IAOMT's SMART certification requirements.
Dr. Cornelius has completed the education and training required by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology to become SMART Certified.
SMART certification includes education related to mercury, dental amalgam, safe amalgam removal, the science supporting SMART recommendations, and the specialized equipment and protective measures incorporated into the protocol.
This additional training allows Dr. Cornelius to provide amalgam removal within a clearly defined biological safety protocol rather than treating the procedure like the removal of a conventional filling.
Dr. Cornelius has gone beyond SMART certification in his pursuit of education.
He is also Biological Certified through the IAOMT.
IAOMT Biological Dentistry Certification involves advanced education across multiple areas of biological dentistry, including biocompatibility, fluoride, biological periodontal therapy, root canal-related considerations, jawbone pathology, and other topics related to the relationship between dentistry and whole-body health.
This distinction reflects Dr. Cornelius's broader philosophy:
The materials placed in the mouth matter.
The way dental treatment is performed matters.
The mouth should be considered in relationship to the rest of the body.
When an amalgam filling is removed using SMART protocols, multiple protective measures are incorporated into the procedure.
Depending on the individual clinical situation, these measures include:
Protective coverings are used for the patient and dental team to help reduce exposure to particles generated during amalgam removal.
A dental dam is used to isolate the treatment area and help prevent amalgam particles from entering the patient's mouth.
The patient is provided with an alternative source of air delivered through the nose during the removal procedure.
Powerful suction is positioned near the treatment area to capture aerosol, vapor, and particles as close to the source as possible.
Specialized high-volume air filtration equipment is used near the patient's mouth during removal to help capture mercury vapor and particulate matter generated during the procedure.
The amalgam is kept cool with water during removal. This is an important component of the SMART protocol because heat generated during drilling can increase mercury vapor release.
Whenever clinically possible, Dr. Cornelius sections the amalgam restoration into larger pieces rather than simply grinding the entire filling away.
This technique helps reduce the amount of drilling required.
An amalgam separator is incorporated into the dental office's evacuation system to capture amalgam waste before it enters wastewater.
Together, these precautions create multiple layers of protection throughout the removal process.
Safe removal is only part of the process.
Once the existing amalgam restoration has been removed, Dr. Cornelius carefully evaluates the remaining tooth structure.
Old amalgam fillings can sometimes conceal decay, cracks, weakened tooth structure, or other conditions that cannot be fully evaluated until the restoration has been removed.
The tooth is then restored according to its individual needs.
Consistent with his biological approach, Dr. Cornelius emphasizes biocompatible, metal-free restorative materials whenever clinically appropriate.
Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains, restoration may involve a tooth-colored composite restoration, ceramic restoration, or a same-day CEREC ceramic crown or Onlay.
The goal is to restore strength and function while preserving as much healthy natural tooth structure as reasonably possible.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different concepts.
Mercury-free dentistry generally means that new mercury amalgam fillings are not placed.
Mercury-safe dentistry goes further by incorporating specific protective measures when existing amalgam restorations are removed.
Dr. Cornelius practices with both principles in mind.
He does not simply replace an amalgam restoration. When removal is appropriate, he approaches the procedure using his IAOMT SMART training and biological dentistry principles to help minimize exposure during the removal process.
Safe mercury amalgam removal fits within Dr. Cornelius's larger philosophy of biological dentistry.
His approach considers:
Patients interested in mercury amalgam removal often encounter dentists using very different techniques.
Choosing a dentist who is SMART Certified by the IAOMT provides patients with the assurance that the dentist has completed specific education regarding mercury and safe amalgam removal and has been trained in the equipment and protective measures associated with the SMART protocol.
Dr. Cornelius's additional IAOMT Biological Dentistry Certification further reflects his commitment to advanced education in biological and biocompatible dentistry.
For patients specifically seeking a biological dentist for amalgam removal, these credentials provide an important distinction.
If you are considering replacing existing mercury amalgam fillings, Dr. Eric D. Cornelius provides SMART-certified safe mercury amalgam removal in San Antonio, Texas, within a comprehensive biological dentistry approach.
Treatment begins with an evaluation of your existing restorations, teeth, oral health, and individual goals.
Dr. Cornelius can then discuss whether removal is appropriate, explain the SMART process, and review metal-free options for restoring the tooth afterward.
If you have mercury amalgam fillings and would like to better understand your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric D. Cornelius.
As an IAOMT SMART-Certified and IAOMT Biological Certified dentist, Dr. Cornelius provides a carefully controlled approach to amalgam removal focused on protection, biocompatible materials, conservative dentistry, and whole-body wellness.
