The silver and mercury amalgams one of the oldest materials in restorative dentistry in use after almost 200 years. It revolutionized the treatment of caries with a simple filling that is stable over time.
They are decreasing both by the development of new materials with better properties and aesthetics, as well as by the growing ecological awareness, pollution and new legislations. Even so, mercury in the dental sector remains the leading source of mercury use in Europe.
These laws will be intensified to restrict the use and management of mercury due to its toxicity.
The times have changed a lot since1826 whenA. Taveau, dentist of Paris, popularized the use of mercury with silver coin filings to create anamalgam of dental restoration and despite the fact that the current amalgam capsules are completely safe and the mercury present in them it is minimal and in an inactivated state, dentistry does not get rid of these new laws that Spain will fully implement in January 2019.
How will the new Amalgam Law affect my dental clinic?
We summarize the most important points, you can consult all the regulations in the European Directive on Mercury.
- As of January 1, 2019, only dental amalgam will be used in the form of pre-dosed capsules.
- As of July 1, 2018, dental amalgam will not be used for treatments in primary dentition, under 15 years of agepregnant or lactating women , except when considered necessary by the dental professional.
- Beginning January 1, 2019, dental cabinet operators will ensure that their cabinets have amalgam separators to retain and collect amalgam particles, including those contained in the used water .
- the amalgam separators guarantee a retention level of at least 95% of the amalgam particles
- Dental professionals will ensure that amalgam residues, including debris, particles and amalgam fillings, and teeth or parts of these contaminated by dental amalgam are treated and collected by an authorized waste management facility or company.
How to adapt to these laws?
All aspiration systems present in the clinic should be adapted with filters and / or amalgam separators The big question is: Is this another absurd regulation? Why adapt if I no longer use amalgams in my clinic?
There are several more reasons to renew:
- Legislation and inspections , not complying with the law can be very expensive and could be solved with the simple filter that we describe below
- The demand for aesthetic dentistry increases every year, and the removal of old amalgams will continue to increase
- Extends the useful life and good functioning of the clinical facilities, no more clogging and corrosion of the pipes and systems of aspiration against solid waste
- Respect for the Environment
- Client communication tool , teach your patients that your clinic is sustainable
The Amalgam Separator Filter with universal adaptation for any equipment..
From Dentaltix we have vacuum systems with amalgam separator but do not panic! If your aspiration works perfectly it is not necessary to change it completely, we have an economical and easy to install solution that complies with the laws.
Do you have doubts about amalgam separator filters? Which one do you use in your dental clinic? Share your experience with us through our social networks. If you liked it, share our article or visit our similar post Aspiration systems with amalgam separator applied to the new law and do not forget to follow us to keep you informed about all the news, offers, promotions and discounts in the dental sector. We wait for you!