Dental practices have greatly improved in recent years, making procedures safer for both patients and dental professionals. At the forefront of these advancements is the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM). The academy has introduced the Protect Protocol, a detailed approach designed specifically for the safe and efficient removal of mercury amalgam fillings.
Biological dentistry prioritizes reducing exposure to toxins during dental procedures. Mercury in amalgam fillings poses health risks, making its safe removal essential. The Protect Protocol follows strict OSHA guidelines, setting higher standards to protect patients, dental workers, and the environment.
An essential part of the protocol involves installing advanced filtration systems in dental offices. Equipment such as air filtration units and oral aerosol vacuums capture mercury vapors and particles during removal. These systems significantly reduce mercury exposure, helping maintain clean air in treatment rooms and protecting our environment.
Patient safety is central to the Protect Protocol. Patients wear full-body barriers to keep mercury particles off their clothes and skin. Eye protection is provided, and patients’ mouths are rinsed with a special adsorbent like charcoal before the procedure begins. Dentists use a technique called “chunking,” breaking the amalgam fillings into small pieces to minimize mercury release.
Dental professionals are also well-protected under this protocol. Staff wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and full-body gowns, to shield them from mercury exposure. After procedures, PPE is carefully disposed of to avoid further contamination and prevent mercury from spreading to other areas like laundry facilities.
The Protect Protocol ensures comprehensive safety from start to finish. High-volume suction technology continues capturing leftover mercury particles even after the removal process is completed. Importantly, the IABDM advises that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid mercury amalgam removal to protect unborn and nursing children from mercury exposure risks.
The Protect Protocol reflects the IABDM’s commitment to healthier practices in biological dentistry, ensuring safer environments for patients, dental teams, and our planet.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. Visit us online to learn how our health practitioners are promoting optimal health through the use of non-toxic dental materials.