As the dental field progresses, techniques for safeguarding patients and dental professionals have greatly advanced. Pioneering these advancements, the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) has ushered in several notable improvements, including its Protect Protocol. This significant achievement puts a spotlight on ensuring the elimination of mercury amalgam fillings safely and efficiently for every patient, practitioner, and our environment.
Biological dentistry emphasizes the elimination of toxin exposure, especially during dental treatments. The presence of mercury in commonly used amalgam fillings poses a potential threat. This protocol goes beyond normal practice, following stringent OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines to provide the safest removal processes for these fillings.
The Protect Protocol outlines the mandatory installation of sizeable filtration systems in dental rooms. These systems, like air filtration or oral aerosol vacuums, capture harmful mercury vapor and amalgam particles during removal procedures. This approach helps mitigate the spread of mercury in the environment, ensuring safe air quality in the dental rooms and protection for the planet.
Patient’s safety is a paramount concern during this procedure. Hence, various safety measures have been incorporated. Full body barriers are worn by patients to protect their clothes from mercury exposure. They are also provided with eye protection and their mouths are thoroughly flushed with an adsorbent like charcoal before the procedure. ‘Chunking’ is a method where the amalgam is sectioned into pieces and removed, reducing exposure levels.
Dentists and their staff are not left unprotected. The protocol includes numerous safety measures for them too. Workers utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and full-body gowns during the process of removal. After finishing the procedure, all used PPE is correctly disposed of, as it is contaminated with mercury. It limits further exposure by eliminating the chances of mercury landing on skin or clothing and contaminating the washing machines or dryers.
This rigid process is followed through to the end, from the initial mercury removal to the final cleanup. Technology like high-volume suction equipment helps continue to capture any remaining mercury particulate after the completion of the procedure.
It is important to note that the IABDM advises against pregnant or breastfeeding women undergoing amalgam removal. This measure is taken to protect the child from potential mercury exposure.
The Protect Protocol embodies the vision of IABDM to benefit not just the patients but also the workers and the environment by promoting a healthier and safer practice within dentistry.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. To learn more about the Protect Protocol, including our comprehensive patient checklist, visit us online.