18318 University Blvd #500, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Frequently Asked Questions
Amalgam or “silver” fillings are made up of about 50% elemental mercury—a toxic substance that can release harmful vapors, especially when disturbed. Without proper safety measures, the removal process can significantly increase your exposure.
That’s why we follow the SMART protocol, a science-based approach designed to protect you, our team, and the environment from mercury-related risks.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique—a comprehensive safety approach developed by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). It’s designed to minimize mercury exposure during filling removal through multiple layers of protection:
- Full-body protection for the patient, including a dental dam and face drape
- External oxygen supply to prevent inhalation of mercury vapors
- High-volume suction and specialized air filtration (HEPA and mercury filters)
- Barriers and suction devices to immediately capture mercury particles
- Protective gear for all clinical staff involved
- Safe collection and disposal of amalgam waste to prevent environmental contamination
This ensures your treatment is not only effective—but also safe for your body and the planet.
While many dental offices remove amalgam fillings without specialized precautions, Luxe Dental Arts follows the IAOMT’s evidence-based SMART protocol to ensure maximum safety. This approach significantly reduces mercury exposure for both patients and staff during the removal process.
In addition to these safeguards, we support your body’s natural detoxification with personalized pre- and post-removal guidance, including integrative therapies tailored to your individual health needs.
If you have mercury fillings and are concerned about their potential impact on your health, we’re here to help. While not everyone needs to have their fillings removed, the method of removal is critical for those who do.
At Luxe Dental Arts, our biological dental team provides a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether SMART removal is appropriate for you—and to guide you safely every step of the way.
If you're looking for a whiter, brighter smile, you're not alone! Your smile is one of your most expressive features, helping to convey emotions like warmth, friendship, and love.
A whiter smile can boost your confidence and give you a look you're proud to share. Teeth whitening is a popular and affordable way to achieve that goal.
Teeth whitening is generally safe for most healthy individuals when performed under the supervision of a qualified dental professional. Your oral health will be evaluated first to ensure it’s stable enough for whitening, and the most appropriate method will be recommended based on your needs. A before-and-after shade comparison is typically done to help track your progress, as whitening results happen gradually and may not be immediately noticeable.
Most people experience no side effects from whitening treatments. However, if you do notice sensitivity or gum discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental provider to discuss ways to make the process more comfortable. It’s important to follow all instructions carefully—using too much whitening gel can lead to gum irritation or increased sensitivity.
Regular Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A regular dental cleaning is part of routine preventive care and is recommended every six months. During this visit, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. These cleanings also allow your dental team to monitor your oral health over time.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
If you have signs of gum disease, a deep cleaning may be necessary. Unlike a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning targets plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line. This procedure—known as scaling and root planing—helps manage gum disease by cleaning the roots of your teeth and reducing infection. Because periodontal disease is a chronic condition, additional deep cleanings may be needed throughout the year to keep it under control.
At Luxe Dental Arts, our experienced hygiene team provides both routine and deep cleanings. We tailor your care to your specific needs to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
At Luxe Dental Arts, we are committed to using only the highest quality dental materials to provide long-lasting and natural-looking restorations. We prioritize metal-free options to promote better health and enhance the overall aesthetics of your smile.
For dental fillings, we use white fillings made from composite resin—a tooth-colored material that Dr. Sheth can shape and bond directly to your tooth. This minimally invasive approach preserves more of your healthy tooth structure, reflecting Dr. Sheth’s conservative philosophy toward dental care. These fillings are carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable.
Our dental crowns are made from premium ceramic materials, chosen for their durability and highly aesthetic results. Ceramic crowns not only restore strength and function but also mimic the natural translucency of your teeth for a beautifully lifelike appearance. With proper care and routine dental visits, ceramic crowns can provide many years of reliable performance.
If you need to repair a tooth, we invite you to contact our office to explore your treatment options. With Dr. Sheth’s expertise and dedication to your oral health, you can feel confident that your smile is in excellent hands.
At Luxe Dental Arts, we use advanced 3D X-ray technology—also known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)—to provide a highly detailed view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. This powerful diagnostic tool allows Dr. Sheth to detect potential dental issues that may not be visible with traditional or even digital X-rays, such as hidden infections, fractures, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
Early and accurate detection is key to effective treatment. With CBCT imaging, we can assess problems in their earliest stages, often allowing for less invasive procedures and better long-term outcomes. Whether planning a dental implant, root canal, or evaluating jaw alignment, CBCT scans give us the information needed to personalize your care with precision.
We understand that patients may have concerns about radiation exposure. That’s why we’ve invested in low-dose CBCT technology, which minimizes radiation while maximizing image clarity and diagnostic accuracy. The scan is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive—usually completed in under a minute.
Dr. Sheth and his team are committed to using state-of-the-art imaging to ensure your dental care is as safe, efficient, and effective as possible. With CBCT, we’re able to deliver more informed diagnoses, more predictable treatment plans, and greater peace of mind.
At Luxe Dental Arts, Dr. Sheth is dedicated to delivering custom dental crowns that restore both the function and beauty of your smile. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a standard filling, offering lasting protection and a natural look.
The process typically involves two appointments:
- First Visit – Preparation & Temporary Crown:
Dr. Sheth will carefully shape the affected tooth and take detailed impressions to ensure your crown fits perfectly. A temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth while your final restoration is crafted. - Lab Work – Custom Crafting:
Your crown is fabricated at a trusted local dental laboratory here in the Sugar Land area. Dr. Sheth collaborates closely with skilled technicians to ensure each crown meets his exacting standards. This process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. - Second Visit – Final Placement:
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office for placement. Dr. Sheth will make any final adjustments to ensure a precise fit and proper bite alignment, so your new crown feels as natural as it looks.
The result is a seamless, durable restoration that lets you chew, brush, and smile with total confidence.
