The disposal of extracted teeth with amalgam fillings is a complex process that must be done in accordance with state and local regulations. Rebec Environmental/Pristine Environmental offers an efficient solution for dental practices by providing three sizes of amalgam disposal buckets, along with free UPS pickup when the bucket is full. By using these services, dentist and dental practices can ensure they are compliant with safety standards while streamlining their waste management operations to maintain a safe working environment.
Extracted Teeth Disposal
According to the CDC, teeth that have been extracted are viewed as potentially infectious material and fall under the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Dental professionals are advised to get rid of these teeth in containers meant for regulated medical waste, unless the teeth are being given back to the patient. Teeth with amalgam fillings should not be disposed of in any container that will be incinerated, such as regular trash bins, sharps containers, or biohazard bags. It's important to follow state and local rules when it comes to disposing of amalgam. Some metal recycling firms may take extracted teeth with amalgam fillings. Reach out to Rebec Environmental to learn more about your local policies and to receive instructions for handling.
Recommendations for Using Extracted Teeth in Educational Settings
According to the CDC, teeth that are extracted for the purpose of preclinical educational training should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any visible blood or debris. They should also be kept moist, ideally in a simple solution like water or saline. To prevent leakage during transport or storage, these extracted teeth should be placed in a secure container, and marked with the biohazard symbol until they are sterilized. It's recommended to use heat sterilization for safe handling.
When it comes to using teeth for educational purposes, those without amalgam are preferred as they can be safely autoclaved. Extracted teeth with amalgam shouldn't be heat-sterilized due to the potential health risks associated with mercury vaporization and exposure. A proven method of disinfecting both internal and external structures of teeth with amalgam is immersing them in a 10% formalin solution for two weeks. It's important to note that formalin, a saturated solution of formaldehyde.
Dental healthcare workers who handle formalin should consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet to understand occupational health risks and ensure they're in compliance with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. For more information on safety measures related to formaldehyde exposure, it's advisable to review OSHA's fact sheet on Formaldehyde and seek advice from an occupational health professional.
Extracted Teeth Disposal Scrap Buckets
Rebec Environmental/Pristine Environmental provides a convenient and responsible solution for the disposal of extracted teeth containing amalgam. They offer specially designed amalgam disposal buckets that are not only suitable for extracted teeth with amalgam but can also be used for a variety of other dental waste. These sturdy and secure containers offer an easy way to manage and dispose of potentially hazardous materials, making them an essential part of any dental practice's waste management plan.
In addition to extracted teeth, these disposal buckets from Rebec Environmental and Pristine Environmental are also versatile enough to handle chair side traps, spent capsules, pump filters, and both contact and non-contact amalgam. This makes them an incredibly useful tool in dental practices, simplifying the process of discarding various types of waste while ensuring compliance with all relevant safety regulations. By providing a one-stop solution for multiple types of waste, they help to streamline operations and maintain a safe and clean working environment.
Rebec Environmental and Pristine Environmental offer a variety of amalgam disposal solutions to cater to the diverse needs of dental practices. They provide three different sizes of amalgam disposal buckets: a compact 1-gallon bucket, a mid-sized 3.5-gallon bucket, and a larger 5-gallon bucket. These options allow you to choose the most suitable size based on the volume of waste your practice generates. A standout feature of their service is the inclusion of free UPS pickup for your filled amalgam disposal bucket. This means once your bucket is full, you don't have to worry about transporting it yourself, as UPS will come directly to your location to collect it, making the entire process convenient and hassle-free.
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Contact our team at 1 (800) 569-1088 or fill out our contact form if you need any help choosing a scrap amalgam bucket for your dental practice, we are always happy to help.
Disclaimer: For updated information on amalgam waste guidelines feel free to give us a call at (800) 569-1088