Common Myths and What the Evidence Actually Shows
Amalgam fillings constantly leak high amounts of mercury
False. Amalgam releases small amounts of mercury vapor, primarily during chewing and grinding. Levels in most patients are well below established safety thresholds, though they vary individually.
Removing amalgam fillings cures chronic illness
Unproven. While some patients report improvement after removal, controlled studies have not found consistent evidence that amalgam causes or cures systemic conditions in otherwise healthy adults.
Any dentist can safely remove mercury fillings
Misleading. All removal creates some mercury exposure. Technique matters significantly. Providers using SMART-like protocols with rubber dams and HVE expose patients to substantially less mercury during the procedure.
Mercury-free means the same as mercury-safe
False. Mercury-free means a dentist no longer places new amalgam fillings. Mercury-safe describes careful removal protocol. A dentist can be mercury-free but still remove old fillings without protective measures.
Composite fillings are always better than amalgam
Oversimplified. Composites have advantages (no mercury, tooth-colored) but also limitations (shorter lifespan in some applications, technique-sensitive placement). The best choice depends on clinical context.
SMART protocol is 100% safe and eliminates all mercury exposure
Exaggerated. SMART meaningfully reduces mercury exposure during removal, but it does not eliminate it entirely. All amalgam removal involves some exposure.