Did you know that Dr. Jones is SMART Certified? SMART is the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, which is a set of safety measures to reduce mercury exposures during dental amalgam filling removal. These safety measures were developed as a result of scientific research collected by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). 

​Read on to learn more about this extensive training and process. 

The IAOMT safe amalgam removal protocol recommendations were most recently updated on July 19, 2019. Also, on July 1, 2016, the IAOMT protocol recommendations were officially renamed as the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), and a training course for IAOMT dentists to become certified in SMART was initiated.

All dental amalgam restorations contain approximately 50% mercury, (1) and reports and research are consistent that these fillings emit mercury vapors. (2-16)

Scientific research demonstrates that dental mercury amalgam exposes dental professionals, dental staff, dental patients, and/or fetuses to releases of mercury vapor, mercury-containing particulate, and/or other forms of mercury contamination. (4-48)

Furthermore, mercury vapor is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings at higher rates during brushing, cleaning, clenching of teeth, chewing, etc., (5, 14, 15, 24, 30, 49-54) and mercury is also known to be released during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings. (2, 25, 28, 29, 32, 36, 41, 45, 46, 55-60)


Utilizing the available scientific evidence, the IAOMT has developed extensive safety recommendations for removal of existing dental mercury amalgam fillings, including detailed protective measures that are to be utilized for the procedure. The IAOMT’s recommendations build upon traditional safe amalgam removal techniques such as the use of masks, water irrigation, and high volume suction by supplementing these conventional strategies with a number of additional protective measures, the need for which have only recently been identified in scientific research.

• An amalgam separator must be properly installed, utilized, and maintained to collect mercury amalgam waste so that it is not released into the effluent from the dental office. (25, 61-73)
• Each room where mercury fillings are removed must have adequate filtration in place, (29, 74-76) which requires a high-volume air filtration system (such as an at source oral aerosol vacuum) capable of removing mercury vapor and amalgam particles generated during the removal of one or more mercury fillings. (45, 77)
• If possible, windows should be opened to reduce the mercury concentration in the air. (29, 77-79)
• The patient will be given a slurry of charcoal, chlorella, or similar adsorbent to rinse and swallow before the procedure (unless the patient declines or there are other contraindications making this clinically inappropriate). (77, 80, 81)
• Protective gowns and covers for the dentist, (25, 45) dental personnel, (25, 45) and the patient (45) must be in place. All present in the room must be protected because substantial quantities of particles generated during the procedure will elude collection by suction devices. (36, 45) It has been demonstrated that these particles can be spread from the patient’s mouth to the hands, arms, face, chest and other parts of the dental worker’s and patient’s anatomy. (45)
• Non-latex nitrile gloves must be utilized by the dentist and all dental personnel in the room. (45, 46, 77, 82-83)
• Face shields and hair/head coverings are to be utilized by the dentist and all dental personnel in the room . (45, 77, 80)
• Either a properly-sealed, respiratory grade mask rated to capture mercury or a positive pressure, properly-sealed mask providing air or oxygen must be worn by the dentist and all dental personnel in the room. (36, 45, 76, 77)
• In order to protect the patient’s skin and clothing, a full body, impermeable barrier, as well as a full head/face/neck barrier under/around the dam, need to be utilized. (45, 77, 80)
• External air or oxygen delivered via a nasal mask for the patient also needs to be utilized to assure the patient does not inhale any mercury vapor or amalgam particulate during the procedure. (45, 77, 80) A nasal cannula is an acceptable alternative for this purpose as long as the patient’s nose is completely covered with an impermeable barrier.
• A dental dam (74-76, 84-87) that is made with non-latex nitrile material (45, 77, 83) must be placed and properly sealed in the patient’s mouth.
• A saliva ejector must be placed under the dental dam to reduce mercury exposure to the patient. (45, 77)
• During amalgam filling removal, the dentist must utilize an at source oral aerosol vacuum in close proximity to the operating field (i.e., two to four inches from the patient’s mouth) to mitigate mercury exposure. (45, 88)
• High speed evacuation produces better capture when fitted with a Clean Up device, (45, 87) which is not mandatory but is preferred.
• Copious amounts of water to reduce heat (45, 74, 76, 77, 86, 89-91) and a conventional high speed evacuation device to capture mercury discharges (25, 29, 45, 74-77, 86, 90, 91) are required to reduce ambient mercury levels. (46)
• The amalgam needs to be sectioned into chunks and removed in as large of pieces as possible, (45, 74, 77, 80) using a small diameter carbide drill. (29, 86)
• Once the removal process is complete, the patient’s mouth should be thoroughly flushed with water (77, 80) and then rinsed out with a slurry of charcoal, chlorella or similar adsorbent. (81)
• Dentists must comply with federal, state, and local regulations addressing the proper handling, cleaning, and/or disposal of mercury-contaminated components, clothing, equipment, surfaces of the room, and flooring in the dental office.
• During the opening and maintenance of suction traps in operatories or on the main suction unit, dental staff should utilize the appropriate personal protection equipment described above.

It is important to note that as a safety precaution, the IAOMT does not recommend amalgam filling removal for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and that the IAOMT does not recommend that dental personnel who are pregnant or breast-feeding conduct work that disrupts amalgam fillings (including their removal).

Did you know that Social Circle Dental is a member of the INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF ORAL MEDICINE & TOXICOLOGY?

The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is a global network of dentists, health professionals, and scientists who research the biocompatibility of dental products, including the risks of mercury fillings, fluoride, root canals, and jawbone osteonecrosis. They are a non-profit organization and have been dedicated to the mission of protecting public health and the environment since they were founded in 1984. Click here to learn more about IAOMT’s history.

If you have a gap from a congenitally missing tooth, or have lost one due to trauma or extraction, you may be considering a dental implant. This method of tooth replacement has been in use in this country since the early 1980s. It is gaining popularity because the implant restoration looks natural, feels normal in the mouth, and functions like a real tooth – plus, it can last a lifetime with good care. Many patients are concerned, though, about how dental insurance will respond to a tooth implant procedure. Social Circle dentist, Dr. Don D. Jones, shares these important points.

If you have a gap from a congenitally missing tooth, or have lost one due to trauma or extraction, you may be considering a dental implant. This method of tooth replacement has been in use in this country since the early 1980s. It is gaining popularity because the implant restoration looks natural, feels normal in the mouth, and functions like a real tooth – plus, it can last a lifetime with good care. Many patients are concerned, though, about how dental insurance will respond to a tooth implant procedure. Social Circle dentist, Dr. Don D. Jones, shares these important points.

​The insurance landscape is changing
​
Every insurance plan is different, and coverages and conditions can change at any time, with appropriate notice to participants. However, at this time, dental insurance plans generally apply the following logic to dental implants. First, because other options for tooth replacement are available, getting a dental implant is considered “elective.” Second, elective procedures are not covered if a less costly alternative is available. So, dental insurance typically pays a limited amount – roughly the “usual and customary fee” for a partial denture or bridge – toward the cost of a dental implant. There may also be some coverage for diagnostic tests and tooth extraction, and medical insurance could cover bone grafts if necessary. As dental implants become more common, some premium insurance plans are covering the cost of the procedure.

If you participate in an FSA (flexible spending account), where you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, you are in luck. Because a dental implant is not considered purely cosmetic in nature, the procedure is an eligible expense (the oral surgery, placement of the post, and the crown restoration).

​Not your only option
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It is important to know that a dental implant is not your only choice to restore your smile and oral function. Dr. Jones will be happy to talk with you about the possibility of a dental bridge or a partial denture. Regardless of insurance status, these alternatives make sense for many patients.

​There are many causes of stains on teeth. Over time, foods and beverages such as berries, sauces, coffee, and tea can stain the teeth. Smoking can not only wreak havoc on the body but can also leave yellow or brown looking teeth. These are just a couple of reasons patients in Monroe, Loganville, Covington, and the surrounding areas visit Social Circle Dental to give their smiles an aesthetic boost. They can find safe and gentle teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Jones.

A veneer is simply a very thin layer of porcelain covering the visible surface of the teeth. It can replace worn-off enamel, repair small chips, and add strength to the tooth. A veneer can also completely change the appearance of a tooth, with minimal alteration to the underlying structure. During your preliminary consultation, Dr. Jones will explain what to expect, and discuss any potential alternatives.

​General dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the oral health of the smile, whereas cometic dentistry places emphasis on the appearance of the smile. Holistic dentistry is an approach that involves considering how the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums can affect the health of the whole body. At Social Circle Dental, you can find all three types of dentistry. Dr. Jones and our team will work with you to prevent oral health conditions, determine the most conservative treatment, and restore beauty to your smile. Well-known in Monroe as well as other communities in Georgia and the adjacent states, Dr. Jones has been transforming smiles for more than 35 years. 
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THE BENEFITS OF COMETIC DENTISTRY
​Although cosmetic dentistry, focuses on how attractive your smile can be, it can offer several benefits to your overall health and well-being. We notice confidence increases when a patient has his or her teeth whitened or walks out of our office with a beautiful porcelain veneer. A person with an attractive smile reaps several benefits:

• According to studies, the smile is one of the first features a person notices when meeting someone.

 

• In 2013, USA Today published the results of a survey of Americans about what they consider “must haves” in a partner. According to the results, 58 percent of men and 71 percent of women said they judge potential partners on their teeth. This was the highest-rated featured for both genders.

 

• Smiling releases endorphins, which boosts the mood.

 

• According to ZipRecruiter, a confident smile might help you secure a job.​

 

• By keeping the smile healthy, you can prevent oral conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss among adults ages 65 and older. ​

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A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and acts as an anchor point for a crown. Implants are often considered the type of restoration that closely matches the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth. However, with years of experience in caring for patients of all ages, Dr. Don Jones knows that no one solution is right for everyone. For the individual who does not want a dental implant, or for health reasons is not a good candidate, Dr. Jones may suggest a tooth bridge. Social Circle Dental patients achieve restored appearance and function with this option.