Safe Amalgam Removal
Safe amalgam removal, or the removal of metal fillings with mercury in them, should be done by an experienced, certified and IAOMT and IABDM accredited dentist to ensure its done correctly, to minimize health hazards and side effects that can occur with amalgam removal.
Safe Amalgam Removal by a Certified Holistic Dentist
Understanding the difference between an “Amalgam Free” or “Mercury Free Dentist” and a “Mercury Safe Dentist” is very important. Many dentists in the modern age claim to be mercury free or amalgam free, which merely means they don’t place amalgam fillings. But when they remove old amalgam and metal fillings, do they remove the mercury fillings using strict safety protocols to protect the patient from mercury vapors? Or do them remove them regularly, as most conventional dentists do?
Using suction and a dental dam is NOT ENOUGH for biological and holistic, SAFE amalgam removal. In fact, if the dentist you are considering for your metal fillings removal or replacement isn’t doing the items mentioned, below, it might be time to look for a S.M.A.R.T. Certified, IAOMT Accredited and IABDM Certified Dentist!
What is the Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol?
Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol includes:
- Full disposable gown and blankets shielding the patient from head to toe
- Protective eyewear for the patient
- Hair coverings for the patient
- Skin covering for the patient
- Alternative air source for the patient (oxygen/med gas from another area of the office)
- External exhaust no more than 2.5 meters away with at least 400 cfm per 1600 cubic feet of dental operatory, with a closed, sealed door
- Specialty air evacuation filtration equipment that is at least 600 cfm and no more than 3 inches from the patient’s open mouth
- High-volume suction in the patient’s mouth
- Special large-size burs to “cut and chunk” the amalgam filling to prevent vaporization
- Respirators with double filters for the staff, full face shields, hair coverings, eye wear and disposable full body gowns for the staff
- Cold water for reducing friction-driven temperature between the bur and metal filling
- Biocompatible filling material or biocompatible crown/onlay material for restorations
- Full air turnover for all cubic feet in closed operator room where treatment is taking place every 3 minutes
Dr. Yuriy May – S.M.A.R.T. Certified and IAOMT Accredited Holistic Dentist in for Safe Amalgam Removal
Safe Dental Amalgam Removal, also known as Safe Mercury Removal, Safe Silver Filling Removal and Safe Metal Removal, is an extremely dangerous and hazardous procedure if not done correctly by an IAOMT accredited and S.M.A.R.T. certified dentist, specifically a dentist who doesn’t understand or isn’t aware of the dangers of amalgam mercury removal and required procedures to keep patients and staff safe.
Studies have cited the deteriorating mental and physical condition of non-mercury-safe dentists that have lacked of awareness about the toxicity and danger of removing dental amalgams without proper safety protocols. Due to the constant and continuous exposure to vaporized mercury that occurs during drilling amalgam fillings without proper protection, publications have speculated that there is a strong correlation between dentists holding the highest suicide rates among all medical professions and their extremely high exposure to mercury.
What is Dental Amalgam? What is Mercury?
The dental amalgam metal that is in patients’ teeth has the following chemical makeup by weight.
Mercury amalgam (silver) fillings material composition:
- 50% mercury
- 35% silver
- 15% copper, nickel, tin, zinc, other
Mercury is the THIRD most toxic substance known to man
Mercury is more toxic than Lead, Arsenic, and Cadmium
Mercury amalgam was first introduced to North America in 1833, during which time, it was believed that when liquid mercury was inserted into an alloy (mixed metal) compound and the metals hardened the mercury was permanently “locked into” the amalgamation of metal and no longer could pose a danger to the body because the mercury could not escape. Unfortunately, this false belief mistakenly persists today and is perpetuated by several medical and dental societies and currently the FDA, who have been embroiled in decades of controversy from agencies ranging to the EPA, IAOMT, IABDM, ASDS and HDA.
Dental amalgam fillings have been shown to emit mercury vapors continuously, especially during brushing and consuming hot liquids. It is now generally accepted that mercury is being released (i.e.leaching from amalgam fillings) in small amounts from the filling during its entire lifetime. However, controversy exists whether the amount of mercury vapor released from amalgam fillings is enough to cause harm to individuals. Most traditional dentists, take the approach that amalgam fillings are harmless and the amount of vapor releases is below the exposure required to cause neurotoxicity and disease. Dr. Yuriy May, an accredited member if the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology) believes that no amount of mercury exposure is safe to humans, especially mercury that is continuously being released over a lifetime, as supported by years of research and education.
Heavy metal toxicity from constant small amounts of mercury exposure (i.e.leaching) is an overlooked problem in dentistry today. Part of this problem is the controversial threshold for toxicity, which varies from person to person. The bottom line is that cumulative exposure to mercury, the third most toxic element known to humans, will eventually cause mercury toxicity or at the very least place stress on individuals’ immune systems.
Proper removal of mercury amalgam fillings
Proper removal of mercury amalgam fillings has become a specialty for all Tri-State patients who visit Natural Dentistry and Dr. Yuriy May in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York.
Consider the following facts:
- Mercury fillings continually vaporize (i.e. leach mercury vapor) in the mouth especially when chewing, brushing, or drinking hot liquids.
- As mercury vapor is inhaled and swallowed, it is readily absorbed into the bloodstream, passing through the various organs and into the brain.
- Mercury from dental amalgam fillings becomes widely distributed throughout the body and can stay lodged for long periods of time, typically accumulating over a lifetime.
- In autopsy studies, there is a correlation between the amount of mercury in brain tissue and the number of mercury amalgam fillings in the mouth.
- The mercury absorbed from dental amalgams can cause body chemistry and organ function to change.
These changes can be subtle, but continually present over long periods of time and can end up being detrimental to certain individuals. Additionally, since each amalgam filling is an alloy, meaning a mix of numerous metals, there are at least five different metals inside each mercury amalgam filling, and this can cause electrical current problems in the mouth, known as galvanic effects.
Natural Dentistry’s Rigorous Safe Amalgam Removal Process
In order to ensure safety during dental amalgam removal for both patients and staff, a rigorous and robust process must be adhered to in order to reduce mercury vaporizing into the operatory air, keeping the mercury from entering the patient’s separate air supply, prevent mercury dust elements from landing on patients hair/skin/mouth, and ultimately to isolate and trap all mercury particle and dust in a mercury-safe biohazard filter.
In this process, there are a series of steps and precautions that must be followed in order to minimize mercury exposure to the patient, Dr. May and dental staff. All Natural Dentistry patients will be fully educated on the protocol, process, and what to expect during the procedure.
If you think we can help you speak with our New Patient Team if you need treatment, a consultation, or information regarding safe amalgam removal.
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Top Amalgam Removal Dentist in USA
Not only do all the Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Massachusetts patients looking for the top holistic dentist in the country see Dr. Yuriy May for all mercury removal as one of the top experts in safeamalgam removal, but they also travel to Dr. May for root canal removals and cavitation dental surgery.
What most important, is that patient from all over the world with Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, cancer, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other chronic conditions seek Dr. Yuriy May’s detoxification amalgam removal protocols and entrust their health completely to Natural Dentistry staff as their leadership and expertise in the field of biological and holistic dentistry has long been established as the top in the country.
In addition, Dr. Yuriy May applies some of the most rigorous SAFE amalgam removal protocols and is S.M.A.R.T. certified by the IAOMT and also accredited, in addition to being a graduate from the America Academy of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry earning him a Naturopathic Dentist (NMD, IBMD) degree in addition to being a biological dentist practicing in the areas of zirconia implants, cavitations, infected root canal removal and PRF 100% autologous bone grafting.
Root Canal Process and Root Canal Side Effects
Is a Tooth Alive or is it a Dead? Does a Tooth Need a Nerve? Does the Tooth Need Blood Supply?
Keep the fillings cool
Amalgam removal is performed under a constant stream of cold-water spray. This prevents the dental burr from heating the filling due to friction, which would increase mercury vaporization. By keeping the amalgam cool, Dr. May minimizes mercury release into the air and oral cavity during removal.
Provide an alternative air source
Patients receive a sealed nasal hood with oxygen during amalgam removal and are instructed to avoid mouth breathing. Dr. May and staff wear full-face mercury vapor filtration masks for protection. These measures prevent mercury inhalation for both patients and dental professionals.
Cover and protect all exposed skin
Dr. May and staff wear comprehensive protective gear including disposable full-body suits, sealed hair covers, elbow-length gloves, and full facial shields over gas masks. This protocol prevents mercury dust and vapor contact with skin, hair, and clothing, reducing the risk of dermal mercury reactions for both staff and patients.
Section off that portion of the mouth
A specialized latex-free rubber dam is used during amalgam removal. This non-metal reactive barrier prevents inhalation and ingestion of mercury vapor, dust, and larger particulates. The heavy-duty dam effectively isolates the treatment area, enhancing safety for the patient during the procedure.
Cover and protect all exposed skin, hair and nails
Patients are fully covered during the procedure. Protective gear includes a face cover, dark glasses, noise-canceling headphones, hair bonnet, gloves, and a full-body blanket. This comprehensive coverage prevents mercury exposure to skin, hair, eyes, and ears during amalgam removal.
Apply a cut and chunk drilling technique
Dr. May uses the specialized “cut & chunk” technique for amalgam removal. This method breaks the filling into large pieces, significantly reducing mercury vaporization compared to conventional drilling. Dr. May’s extensive training in this technique ensures safer removal procedures.
Use a high-volume evacuator
A powerful suction tip near the tooth continuously removes mercury vapor and particles during the procedure. The office features an industrial-grade air purification system that cleans the entire operatory every 10 seconds. Combined with protective gear and alternative air supply, this system virtually eliminates mercury exposure for patients and staff.
Clean, Pure Air in Treatment Rooms
Our practice prioritizes air quality with multiple air purification systems. We use over 40,000 BTUs of air purifiers, exhaust suction, ionizers, and carbon floor filters. These systems ensure rapid air turnover and remove mercury microparticles, protecting patients and staff. All operatories are designed for safe amalgam removal procedures.
Post-Amalgam Removal Detoxification
After removing mercury amalgams, bodily detoxification is crucial. Dr. May offers customized detoxification and chelation protocols based on expert knowledge. We collaborate with various health professionals to tailor plans to each patient’s needs. Referrals to detoxification specialists are available upon request.
Dr. Yuriy May is one of the only IAOMT accredited and S.M.A.R.T. Certified dentist in Connecticut for Safe Amalgam Removal!
What is S.MA.R.T. Certification by the IAOMT?
- The holistic dentist must join the IAOMT as a General Member.
- The holistic dentists must enroll in the SMART certification program.
- The holistic dentist must complete unit 2 (Mercury 101/102) and Unit 3 (Safe Removal) of IAOMT’s accreditation course, which includes taking and passing unit tests. The coursework and the entire SMART certification process has additional coursework online. This does not require enrollment in accreditation, as accreditation takes upwards of a year.
- The holistic Dentist must complete post-course requirements for SMART which consist of learning about the science that supports SMART, the equipment that is part of SMART, and the resources from the IAOMT that enable dentists to implement SMART in their daily practice.
- The holistic dentist must apply for SMART Certification based upon completion of requirements.
- The holistic dentist must maintain SMART Certification by paying the annual SMART re-enrollment fee on July 1st, as well as learning about any updates to the program that have been developed based on new research.
Symptoms of Galvanization from Metals In the Mouth (including amalgam fillings) - Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
Recognized by the ADA
It is well known that mercury (Hg) will store first in the kidneys, second in the liver, third in neurological (brain) tissue and fourth dispersed through the rest of the body. Symptoms related to mercury toxicity are vast; however, even the American Dental Association (ADA) admits to the following symptoms:
- Tremor observed in the fine voluntary muscle movement (such as handwriting), eventually progressing to convulsions and seizures.
- Depression, fatigue, increased irritability, moodiness and nervous excitability, especially when under stress.
- Inability to concentrate; loss of memory.
- Insomnia or drowsiness.
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Birth defects in offspring.
- Nephritis or symptoms of kidney disease.
- Swollen glands and tongue.
- Ulceration of oral mucosa.
- Dark Pigmentation of marginal and loosening of teeth.
- Even Colgate, the toothpaste giant of America, admits some risk to amalgam fillings…
For additional reading on Thyroid and Endocrine disorders potentially impacted by mercury please reference: DAMS (Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions) or IAOMT.org
Symptoms of EMF Distrubrances from Metals in the Mouth (including amalgam fillings)
Many dental patients have no idea that either they are sensitive to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), or radiation or that the metal dental fillings, including mercury amalgam fillings and any other metals (such as metal crowns, metal posts in root canals, or metal titanium implants) could be functioning as an antenna in their mouth. The process of having electrical micro-current disturbances in the mouth from the different metal dental materials interacting is known as galvanization. For some patients with amalgam fillings, the metal also works as a “receiver” that intensifies the electro-current fields in their body when exposed to EMF frequencies. This includes cellphones, Bluetooth devices, Apple watches, smartwatches, Wi-Fi routers, computers, microwaves, cell-phone towers, and other appliances that send out a stream of invisible energy waves. Below are some symptoms that can be potentially experienced by patients with metal fillings and with metal implants in their mouth when exposed to high EMF. Several of our patients have described these symptoms and have even come into our office with their own EMF frequency meter, as they are THAT sensitive and are looking to have all their metals removed from their mouth, including safely removing their mercury fillings to help them recover.
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Light Sensitivity
- Muscle Weakness
- Nausea
- Disorientation
- Brain Fog
- Visual Disturbances
- Tachycardia
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- depression and depressive symptoms
- tiredness and fatigue
- dysesthesia (a painful, often itchy sensation)
- lack of concentration
- changes in memory
- dizziness
This is an article referencing EMF and Dental Amalgam connection, dating back to 2015 from the Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal.
Politicians Supporting Amalgam Restrictions & Lobbying Against Amalgam Use in Dentistry
- Senator Patty Murray of Washington write FDA
- Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana
- Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana
- Congressman Jim Moran of Virginia
- Congressman Adam Schiff of California
- Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming
- Senator Mark Udall of Colorado
All mentioned above have written the FDA regarding restricting, curtailing or stopping amalgam us in density on behalf of constituents in the past.
How to pick the best holistic dentist and the most qualified for Safe Amalgam Removal?
Dr. May is both IAOMT accredited and S.M.A.R.T. certified!
SMART Certified
A SMART certified member has successfully completed a course on mercury and safe dental mercury amalgam removal, including two units consisting of scientific readings, online learning videos, and tests. The crux of this essential course on the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) involves learning about the rigorous safety measures and equipment for reducing exposures to mercury releases during the removal of amalgam fillings. A SMART certified member may or may not have achieved a higher level of certification such as Accreditation, Fellowship, or Mastership.
Accredited–(AIAOMT)
The Accredited member has successfully completed a ten-unit course on biological dentistry, including units on mercury, safe mercury amalgam removal, fluoride, biological periodontal therapy, hidden pathogens in jawbone and root canals, and more. This course involves an examination of over 50 scientific and medical research articles, participation in an e-learning component of the curriculum which includes ten videos, and demonstration of mastery on ten detailed unit tests. An Accredited Member is a member who has also completed the Fundamentals of Biological Dentistry Course and who has attended at least two IAOMT meetings, as well as passed an oral interview exam for safe amalgam removal. Note that the Accredited member may or may not be SMART certified and may or may not have achieved a higher level of certification such as Fellowship or Mastership. To view the accreditation course description by unit, click here. To learn more about becoming accredited, click here.
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About Dr. Yuriy May
Widely sought after for his precision and leadership in biological oral surgery and zirconia implantology, Dr. Yuriy May is recognized as an accomplished leader in metal-free, biologically driven dentistry. With over 12 years of clinical experience, his work is defined by uncompromising standards, refined surgical execution, and outcomes that support both oral and systemic health.
Dr. May holds advanced certifications and training in zirconia implantology from programs ranging from IAOCI and Tufts University, is Board Certified as a Naturopathic Dentist by the ANMCB, and is a distinguished Ceramic Implant Ambassador for SDS—an honor reserved for clinicians shaping the future of ceramic implant science.
A respected educator and international lecturer, Dr. May has presented extraordinary ceramic implant cases to dentists worldwide, including the JCCI in Switzerland, and has served as an instructor in the Ceramic Implant Program at ACIMD. He lectures nationally, publishes complex metal-free surgical cases, and serves as a Board Member of the IAOCI (International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology). Dr. May has recently become an Associate Fellow of the AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), one of the few focusing solely on zirconia dental implants, and has been and an Accredited S.M.A.R.T. Certified member of the IAOMT for many years. He is also a Certified Biological Dentist with the IABDM, reflecting his commitment to removing root canal infections and to mercury-safe, evidence-based biological protocols.
Dr. May’s reputation, results, and excellence in ceramic implant dentistry have made him a destination provider for patients and referring clinicians seeking the highest level of ceramic implant surgery and biological dental care.
DMD, IBDM, AIAOMT, CIABDM
Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry
ANMCB Board Certified Naturopathic Dentist