Passion for perfection
Amalgam Removal Under Controlled Conditions.
At Yiannikos Center for Holistic Dentistry, we follow the SMART protocol for the controlled and protective removal of amalgam fillings, ensuring a high level of safety and clinical precision throughout the process. This protocol is essential because amalgam contains mercury, which may release vapors during placement or removal procedures. Without appropriate isolation and protection, this can increase unnecessary exposure, which is why we implement strict, controlled measures to ensure a safe, consistently managed, and reassuring treatment experience.
Your health deserves a precise standard. That standard is SMART.
Why SMART Protocol?
SMART is a structured protocol established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), defining a precise sequence of protective measures for the safe removal of amalgam fillings.
At Yiannikos Center for Holistic Dentistry, we implement SMART as a core clinical standard — not as an option, but as a commitment. Every step is executed with consistency and precision, because your safety during amalgam removal is not a matter of approximation.
SMART Protocol: Why Method and Control Define Safe Amalgam Removal.
Amalgam fillings consist of approximately 50% mercury — and removal, when indicated, requires careful consideration. Research confirms that mercury vapours can be released during the removal process, as well as during routine activities such as brushing, grinding, and chewing.
Mercury exposure is a recognised clinical concern — for patients and clinical staff alike. This is precisely why the procedure must be carried out under strictly controlled conditions, by professionals with specific training and experience in safe amalgam removal.
The procedure itself is calm, efficient, and guided at every step by rigorous safety protocols — designed to give you a predictable, reassuring experience from start to finish.
Scientific research has identified mercury in amalgam fillings as a potential contributing factor in the following conditions:
Allergies (especially Mercury)
Loss of hearing
Autism
Circulatory Issue
Alzheimer’s
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Autoimmune Disease
Mercury Poisoning
Microbial resistance to antibiotics
Parkinson’s
Symptoms of Mercury poisoning
Depression and Stress
Reproductive Issues
Suicidal tendencies
Thyroid Issues
Kidney Disease
Periodontal Disease
Symptoms with unclear causes
Oral Lichen Planus
The Protocol
In the treatment room, a dedicated dental air vacuum system operates continuously, capturing mercury vapours directly at the source.
You receive oxygen through a nasal cannula throughout the procedure, ensuring that inhalation of vapours or particulate matter is effectively prevented.
Before and immediately after the procedure, you will rinse with a specialised chlorella-based solution — known for its capacity to bind heavy metal residues.
Our clinical team and you are both equipped with protective aprons, and all hair is covered with protective caps.
Your mouth is precisely isolated using an elastic rubber dam — a protective membrane that seals the treatment area throughout the procedure.
A high-performance saliva ejector operates continuously, actively containing mercury particles within the treatment zone.
Our clinical team wears specialised carbon-filtration masks throughout the procedure.
The filling is removed in the largest sections possible, minimising fragmentation and limiting vapour release.
The treatment room remains fully ventilated, with continuous air exchange maintained throughout.
We use nitrile gloves — selected for their superior resistance to mercury and chemical penetration.
The first dentist in Cyprus certified in the SMART protocol.
Dr. Anna Maria Yiannikos is the first dentist in Cyprus to be certified in the SMART protocol by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology — a distinction that speaks not only to qualification, but to clinical direction.
Dr. Anna Maria Yiannikos and Eirini Fragkiadaki have each completed advanced training abroad in oral toxicology and biological dentistry, within their respective clinical roles, under the IAOMT. This is not a one-time achievement. It is a deliberate, recurring commitment.
Continuous education defines the philosophy of Yiannikos Center for Holistic Dentistry. We advance the standards of oral health for each patient we treat, guided by scientific evidence and a conviction we hold deeply — that the mouth is a direct reflection of systemic health.
This is not a new idea. It is, in fact, the oldest principle in medicine: prevention is more powerful than cure.
We do not stand still. We evolve — refining our knowledge, our protocols, and our standards — because the patients who trust us deserve nothing less.
Frequently asked questions
What are biological dental fillings?
Biological dental fillings, also known as holistic or biocompatible fillings, are dental fillings that consider the impact of dental materials on the body's overall health. The materials used in these fillings are selected for their biocompatibility, meaning they are not likely to cause allergic reactions or other adverse health effects.
How are biological dental fillings different from traditional dental fillings?
The primary difference is in the materials used. Biological dental fillings are usually composed of materials without BPA/parabens or ceramics, considered safer and more biocompatible.
Are biological dental fillings safe?
Yes, biological dental fillings are generally considered safe. They are made from materials tested for biocompatibility and are less likely to cause allergic reactions or toxicity.
Are biological dental fillings as durable as traditional fillings?
Biological dental fillings are highly durable and can last for many years. However, the exact lifespan of a filling can depend on various factors, including the patient's oral hygiene habits and the location and size of the filling.
Can existing fillings be replaced with biological fillings?
Yes, it is possible to replace existing amalgam fillings with biological fillings. This process should be done by a dentist trained in safe amalgam removal practices to minimize any potential risks associated with mercury exposure.
Are biological dental fillings more expensive than traditional ones?
The cost of dental fillings can vary widely based on the materials used, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist's expertise. In general, biological dental fillings can be more expensive than amalgam fillings, but many people find the potential health benefits of biological fillings to be worth the extra cost.
Can anyone get biological dental fillings?
Yes, most people can get biological dental fillings. However, the decision should be made in consultation with a dentist.
Do biological dental fillings look different from traditional fillings?
Biological dental fillings can be matched closely to the color of your natural teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional fillings.
Do insurance companies cover biological dental fillings?
Insurance coverage can vary widely, so you must check with your provider.
How can I find a dentist who specializes in biological dental fillings?
You can look for a biological dentist or ask your current dentist if they offer biological fillings. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology(IAOMT) offers directories of dentists who practice biological dentistry.