IAOMT Accreditation
Dr. John Garrett is IAOMT-accredited, meaning he has gone through additional coursework and training with the IAOMT . He has training in the safest, most up-to-date techniques for dental amalgam removal. Dr. Garrett’s IAOMT accreditation ensures you get modern treatment based on the most recent scientific study.
The SMART Mercury Removal Technique
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. At Healthy Roots Dentistry, we use this protocol to remove mercury-silver fillings, or dental amalgam restorations, that contain mercury and have been shown to release mercury vapors into your body.
SMART was developed by the IAOMT, and contains the most up-to-date research on how to safely remove these fillings. When removing a dental amalgam, we use only the safest materials. We also use a combination of tried-and-true methods (such as irrigation, masks, or suction) and newer, more advanced measures along with supplement support to help chelate any heavy metals that may be introduced into the gut or bloodstream.
At Healthy Roots Dentistry, if you wish we’ll be sure to remove your amalgam fillings with minimal mercury exposure to you, our team, and our office environment.
As mentioned on the main page, we are a “mercury safe” office. An office may be “mercury free”, meaning they do not use any mercury containing products, but if proper precautions are not taken, when old mercury-silver amalgams are removed, the vapors from that tooth can be cycled back into the office via the vacuum removal system. The EPA has mandated that by 2020, all dental offices install and maintain mercury amalgam removal systems so that amalgams being removed from patients’ mouths do not end up in the municipal water supply. The EPA doesn’t want those removed fillings in our water supply due to hazardous mercury levels, and we do not want them in our office and our patients may choose not to have them in their mouths! We do not recommend all mercury containing fillings be removed as a matter of course, but we will comply with our patient’s requests to have them removed if they wish.
Videos for your consideration:
This Video shows a general overview of the precautions we take when removing broken down Mercury-silver amalgam fillings
This video shows WHY we take these precautions. Every dentist, whether they be affiliated with the IAOMT or not knows that mercury release is highest at placement and removal of amalgam fillings, but small amounts of detectable vapor are released each time the filling is disturbed by things as common as grinding or drinking a hot beverage!
Total Health and Wellness
As a holistic dentist, Dr. Garrett will consider more than just your dental symptoms. He’ll consider your entire body as it is: a complex organism with many interconnected parts. Our philosophy of treatment includes:
- Tooth preservation: at Healthy Roots Dentistry, tooth extraction is usually a last resort. We’ll do everything we can to halt damage to your existing teeth and prevent further decay and infection.
- Non-invasive procedures: whenever possible, Dr. Garrett will refrain from surgery and try other preventative, non-invasive techniques instead.
- Nutrition: In addition to basic oral hygiene, we will suggest behavioral changes having to do with your diet and lifestyle that can greatly benefit your your oral health and with improved oral health we often see an increase in overall health as well.
- Equipment screening: All equipment used during your visits will be fine-tuned to suit the needs of your unique immune system.
At Healthy Roots Dentistry, we’ll do our best to give you a relaxing, personalized experience in a supportive environment. Your total health and comfort is our priority!
Ozone Therapy
Sometimes, ozone gas can be used to effectively treat wounds or disease. Administered to your body, it can stimulate the immune system, disrupt bacteria growth, and act as a disinfectant by flushing out infected cells and replenishing your blood with new ones.
In dentistry specifically, ozone therapy can help improve the treatment outcomes of the following issues:
- Periodontal disease
- Decay due to infection
- Hard and soft tissue infections
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
The benefits of ozone therapy are extensive and all-natural. They include:
- Improved blood flow
- Amplified immune system response
- Quicker healing times
- Decreases risk of post-surgery infections
There’s also no chance you’d have an allergic reaction to this type of treatment because ozone already naturally exists in some of your body’s natural systems.
Learn More About Holistic Dentistry
Give us a call or visit our office to learn more about what differentiates Healthy Roots Dentistry as a high quality, holistic practice.