Full isolation
A nitrile dam seals the tooth so nothing gets swallowed or inhaled during removal.
- Nitrile dam isolation
- Dedicated SMART isolation room
- Full provider-side PPE
- IAOMT SMART certified
IAOMT SMART Certified in St. Petersburg, Florida
Careful mercury removal in
Careful mercury removal in
St. Petersburg, FL.
Dr. Carlo Litano leads our IAOMT SMART certified practice, removing amalgam fillings with a nitrile dam, HEPA suction with activated carbon, and supplemental oxygen, serving patients across the Tampa Bay area.
Why SMART Removal
Why SMART mercury removal matters.
Amalgam fillings contain roughly half mercury by weight and release vapor under heat and pressure. Careful removal relies on full isolation, capture at the source, and oxygen paired with clean materials.
-
Capture at the source
HEPA suction and activated carbon pull vapor and particulate out of the air before either reaches you.
- HEPA filtration suction
- Activated carbon capture
- HEPA-filtered operatory air
- Clean-air private rooms
Oxygen and clean materials
Supplemental oxygen flows for the length of the procedure, and the tooth is restored with a BPA-free ceramic composite.
- Supplemental oxygen throughout
- Ozone site disinfection
- BPA-free replacement fillings
- Biocompatibility testing available
SMART vs Standard
SMART removal compared with standard removal.
Any dentist can remove an amalgam filling. What changes is how the mercury is handled during removal. This table compares standard removal with SMART protocol steps, including isolation, capture and certification.
Swipe left or right to see the full table
| Property | SMART removal | Standard removal |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation | Nitrile dam seals the tooth | Varies by practice |
| Air capture | HEPA suction with activated carbon | Standard suction |
| Patient oxygen | Supplemental oxygen throughout | Room air |
| Certification | IAOMT SMART certified | No protocol certification |
| Replacement | BPA-free ceramic composite | Material varies |
The Process
Steps in the SMART mercury protocol.
Every SMART removal follows four steps: consultation, isolation setup, removal and capture, and restoration with clean, tooth-colored materials.
-
Consultation and assessment
Dr. Litano reviews your amalgams alongside your dental and health history, then writes a treatment plan with a cost estimate before any work begins.
-
Isolation setup
The tooth is sealed with a nitrile dam in the dedicated SMART room, protective draping goes on, and supplemental oxygen starts before the first cut.
-
Removal and capture
The filling comes out under HEPA suction with activated carbon capture, and the site is cleaned with medical-grade ozone.
-
Biocompatible restoration
A BPA-free ceramic composite, color-matched to your enamel, restores the tooth in the same visit.
Biocompatibility testing is available before replacement materials are chosen.
Trained in Switzerland
Trained by the pioneer of ceramic implants.
Dr. Ulrich Volz developed the first FDA-cleared ceramic dental implant and founded Swiss BioHealth in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. Dr. Carlo Litano, DMD studied under him directly and uses the Swiss BioHealth protocol at his practice in the Tampa Bay area. Every biological case at Natural Smiles is planned, placed, and finished to the same standard.
- DMD
- IAOMT SMART certified
- SDS Swiss BioHealth Protocol
- Holistic Dental Association board of directors
- International Academy of Ceramic Implantology
Patient Reviews
Mercury removal reviews from Natural Smiles patients.
Patients drive in from across Florida and fly in from across the U.S. A few in their own words, from 700+ reviews averaging 4.9 stars on Google, Facebook and Healthgrades.
- RecommendedFacebook
"Thank you, amazing staff at Natural Smiles! You are always so patient and accommodating, giving me all the time and attention my teeth need! Driving from Sarasota is so worth it! Such gratitude for each of you!"
Wendy C. Sarasota, FL - RecommendedFacebook
"Excellent experience because I knew I was in good hands & Dr. Litano knew what he was doing & was going to keep me safe from toxic metals!"
Judy C. - RecommendedFacebook
"Took my now 19 month old here back when she chipped her tooth at 13 months. He was great with her. … Every one who works here is so pleasant. I will continue to make the 1 hour and 15 minute drive here just because of the atmosphere!"
W.B.
Mercury Removal FAQ
Questions about mercury removal in St. Petersburg.
Here we answer common questions about the SMART protocol, replacement materials and how to schedule your consultation with Dr. Litano.
Silver amalgam fillings are roughly 50% mercury and release vapor as you chew. Our IAOMT-certified SMART protocol isolates the tooth with a dam, captures particulate with HEPA suction and activated carbon, and supplies supplemental oxygen, so neither you nor the team is exposed during removal.
Dental amalgam is a metal mixture that is roughly half mercury by weight. The mercury stays chemically active for the life of the filling and releases vapor under chewing pressure and heat.
A BPA-free ceramic composite, color-matched to your enamel and bonded in the same visit. Biocompatibility testing is available for patients with material sensitivities. Biocompatible fillings.
The treatment plan sets the pace. Some patients complete several removals in a single longer appointment; others stage the work across visits. Dr. Litano maps the sequence at your consultation.
Yes. Materials are matched to each patient, and biocompatibility testing is available before replacement materials are chosen. Biocompatibility testing.
Costs depend on the number of fillings and the restoration plan. You receive a written estimate after the consultation, before any work begins, and the team walks you through payment and insurance reimbursement options.
Schedule
SMART mercury removal consultations in downtown St. Petersburg.
A consultation with a 3D scan gives you a written treatment plan and cost estimate before any decisions. Call (727) 300-0044 or request a visit online.