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6 insights into the SMART process to safely remove mercury fillings
When searching for a dentist near me in northern Colorado, know that Owens Dental Berthoud is the premier biologic dentistry practice in the tri-state area. We are also among a select group of SMART-certified dentist offices. Our team is proud to provide six insights into what this certification means.
1 – SMART, defined
SMART stands for “Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.” The International Academy for Oral Medicine & Toxicology established these guidelines for the safe removal of mercury-containing amalgam fillings. The IAOMT is a global network of like-minded dentists, researchers, and health professionals dedicated to advancing biocompatible dental products and materials.
2 – Certification 101
Dentists certified in the SMART technique have completed extensive coursework on minimizing mercury exposure during the filling removal process. As a certified practice, we have applied rigorous safety measures and specific equipment to protect patients, staff, and the broader environment out of the health risks associated with mercury exposure.
3 – Safeguards
There are nearly 20 specific SMART safety recommendations for dental offices. These recommendations have been integrated into the day-to-day of our practice. They include the use of:
- Specialized protective garments
- Protective eyewear
- Masks
- Advanced filtration and evacuation systems
- Safe collection and disposal of contaminated materials
4 – Why it matters
When dental amalgam is removed, mercury may be released into the office and environment as vapors or particles. The use of special garments, supplies, products, and systems prevents against the accidental inhalation of ingestion of these toxic vapors and particles. Special equipment and protocols also limit the release of mercury into the environment. SMART protects patients, our people (team), and the planet.
5 – Mercury-free vs. mercury-safe
Mercury-free offices do not use amalgam in fillings. Mercury-safe practices have incorporated safeguards into the amalgam fillings removal process to limit exposure to toxic mercury. Owens Dental Berthoud is both of these things. As a mercury-free practice, we only place safe and biocompatible materials. These materials include composite resin (for fillings) and ceramics like porcelain for crowns and other dental restorations. As a mercury-safe practice, we understand the unique risks associated with mercury exposure while removing amalgam fillings. We have taken many steps to address and minimize those risks.
6 – How SMART is a great fit
SMART aligns well with our biologic dentistry principles. As a biologic dental practice, we appreciate the connection between the health of the mouth and the health of the body. We promote oral health and total body health in all that we do. The use of biocompatible materials and processes that minimize toxins supports this mission of total health.
See what biologic dentistry can do for your health. Schedule an appointment at our office in Berthoud today. Serving NoCo and the tri-state area, our team can be reached at (970) 444-5464.
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Dr. Tim Owens
Dr. Tim Owens is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist, known for his holistic approach to dental care. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2004, he pursued further training in general dentistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine. With a background in physical therapy, he integrates this unique discipline into his dental practice. Dr. Owens is an active member of the IAOMT and a certified provider of Ozone Therapy, ensuring his patients receive biologic treatments that promote both oral and overall health. He is also pursuing certification in Biologic Dentistry and the SMART technique for mercury removal.
His affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and the Colorado Dental Association, among others.
Why People Love Owens Dental Berthoud
She used to come to Dr. Owens because the level of care and service that I have received here for almost over 10 years has been exceptional. I feel that I’m valued as a patient. You know, you personally feel like it’s a lot of family values, the office makes you feel like you’re in a large city, you feel like you’re in a local dentist office, that we’re not with receptionists but all the dental hygienists knowing my name. They’ve made me feel welcomed and remembered. They always remember my name or something that we talked about the last time I was in. The atmosphere is very relaxed. They make you feel really comfortable, they make you feel like a friend. Everything is always kind of fun here, it’s professional but it’s also fun and very calming. I always feel extremely comfortable here. Fundamentally you forget you’re at the dentist you know everybody they give you a sense that they know you. Always happy to see you and we come in the back for your examination of procedure. They treat you like an individual and it’s always very professional and very relaxed you know, are you okay, can I get you anything. They would ask if you are comfortable, is there anything I can get you. Everyone always asks if you need anything, can I help you with anything, and to me that’s very important. Dr. Owens and his team have explained all the procedures thoroughly to me which is aided in me being very comfortable. I have some unique dental problems and Dr. Owens approached me very cautiously but you know annoyingly about it you know I knew by myself so I really appreciate that and never pushed anything which I thought was very impressive. Everybody knows me and addresses me by name and they make me feel comfortable in the front office they’ve boys taking care of the billing. Everybody is aware of what’s going on and they work well together and always enjoy coming in here. My name is Lynn, my name is Valerie, I’m a certified public accountant, I’m a retired teacher of 23 years, I’m a massage therapist and a graphic designer, I’m a patient of Dr. Owens, and I am a patient of Dr. Owens, and I’m a patient of Dr. Owens and always will be.
My smile I wasn’t happy with it. I consider myself an attractive person and I’m a happy person and my smile just didn’t match the inside. I was a little apprehensive. I was kind of always kind of like keeping my lip down. I wasn’t really self-conscious about my smile. It was just not what I wanted it to be so I went on Google and found Dr. Owens and came here and I was very happy I did. A number of people were telling me, especially my wife, that your teeth are kind of crooked and jagged and everything and so at some point a man, maybe they have a point and I should do something. I felt very insecure and not very confident with my smile. I just felt like yellow. I wanted to replace the front four and as long as we were doing it I said I want them to be beautiful -it was time – it was time – it was time to make a change there was no pain involved it was just it was just a really great process for me I it was so smooth and so easy and I would have done this ten years ago if I would have known it was so easy. It’s boosted a lot of confidence that I have and I can’t believe how many compliments I get out of my smiles. It’s just made a whole difference in how I feel when I perform because I feel like my smile is beautiful because when I sing and when I perform that’s what you see is my smile. But my new smile I feel wakes me up from my job. I can just be myself and not cover my smile anymore. I’m always kind of a happy-go-lucky guy so my smile got even better, but mostly because my wife got the feeling that it was much more beautiful, and happy. You know you’re not as much hiding behind you know you’re smiling white and yeah, you’re just happier and more confident I would say. After I had my teeth done, I was on a dating site and after I had my teeth done and I put up new pictures, boy my dating life picked up a ton. So, you know men are all about the smile. It really has just changed not who I am but it’s changed the reflection of who I am which is exactly what I was after. People are, you know, wondering will it really change my life? Will it really make a difference? It made a huge difference for me.