The Benefits of Using Biodegradable Dental Materials

The Benefits of Using Biodegradable Dental Materials

Truly dental practices release a lot of waste. Most of this waste is not environmentally friendly.

However, in recent times, there has been increased awareness concerning climate change as well as environmental pollution and this has paved the way to an increased need for eco-friendly dentistry.

One way to approach this, which is becoming more popular each day, is by using biodegradable dental materials. This will reduce the impact to the environment by your practice as a dentist in a large way. This will also attract environmentally-conscious patients.

Incorporating biodegradable products is an easy and effective step Dental O So Gentle takes towards sustainable dentistry.  However, some people may struggle to understand the need of biodegradable dental materials.

Is it crucial? Are there any benefits to be derived? How do you develop and maintain an interest in this eco-friendly drive?

Let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room. What are these biodegradable materials in dentistry?

What are Biodegradable Dental Materials?

You might not understand what I’m talking about. There are many others just like you. But the meaning is very simple. Let me indulge you.

Biodegradable dental materials are products applied in dental practices and procedures that are produced specifically to disintegrate naturally and safely over time when released into the environment.

Most traditional dental materials are made from synthetic materials or other non-biodegradable components. However, biodegradable materials are derived from renewable plant-based sources.

They are also made from compatible bio materials that can degrade biologically.

To provide some clarity, here are some biodegradable dental materials and products:

• Composite fillings made from plant-based resins.
• Membranes and sutures created from natural polymers.
• Materials like calcium phosphates are used for implants, fillings, bone grafts, etc.

Are There Any Environmental Benefits of Using biodegradable Dental Alternatives?

I am sure that you now have an understanding what biodegradable dental-material are. So, what benefits does it hold? Or, are there any benefits that they give at all?

Incorporating biodegradable dental materials is one of the sure ways dental practices can reduce their environmental impact and improve sustainability.

To help you appreciate the advantages of switching to eco-friendly products, here are some of the harmful effects of the dental profession on the environment.

Researchers estimate that every year, dental practices generate;

➢    7 tons of mercury waste

➢    28 million litres of toxic X-ray fixer

➢    7 billion sterilization pouches

➢    680 million light handle covers, patient bibs, and chair barriers

➢    8 million foils

This is why changing to biodegradable materials for common disposable items like sutures, barriers, and fillings isn’t even negotiable. This way dental offices can reduce the amounts of plastic waste and toxic chemicals that are released into the environment yearly.

How Can You Be More Environmentally Friendly?

Clearly, using biodegradable dental materials is crucial to a green dental practice. However, there are many other steps you can undertake as a dentist to improve sustainability.

Here are some below:

– Install energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems to cut down on electricity consumption

– Practice proper recycling of materials like paper, plastics, aluminium, etc.

– Install low-flow faucet aerators and other fixtures to reduce water usage

– Use non-toxic cleaning materials and disinfectants

How to Incorporate Biodegradable Dental Materials

If you’re a dentist reading this and you are open to using more eco-friendly materials, you may need to possibly change some of your suppliers and products.

For starters, inquire with your current suppliers about the sustainable options they have available. You will then need to conduct an audit of your current inventory. This will uncover areas where you can make quick and easy changes to biodegradable alternatives.

Being eco-friendly also doesn’t stop with your dental products. You might also want to keep in mind when making a decision on your choice of dental chair, cabinetry, flooring, and other equipment during your renovations or upgrade.

Benefits of Using Biodegradable Dental Materials

Besides the obvious benefits of reducing your ecological footprint, using biodegradable dental material has other amazing benefits.

• A lot of modern dental materials exceed the strength, durability, and longevity of their traditional alternatives.
• To add to that, natural composite fillings can achieve superior aesthetic results compared to amalgam
• Biodegradable products also remove any concerns over toxicity exposure risks to staff and patients during procedures
• As a bonus, you can enhance your market positioning to attract environmentally-conscious patients

How You Can Contribute as a Patient

At the beginning, I mentioned that there have been increased calls for eco-friendly dentistry recently. This responsibility doesn’t only fall on dentists.  As a dental patient, you can contribute to the change too.

Ask yourself how you can join global settings.

You can start by being more informed.

• Ask your dentist about the environmentally sustainable materials they use.
• Tell them about your preference for biodegradable options like composite fillings when restorative treatments are needed
• Avoid cosmetic procedures that rely heavily on disposable plastic products when there are effective alternatives.
• Ensure you choose a dental office that prioritizes sustainability.

Your choices as a consumer create demand signals that influence the products dentists and dental practices will use and supply.

Are Eco-Friendly Dental Materials as Effective?

There are some concerns in some quarters about the ability of biodegradable dental materials to perform effectively and meet the same strict quality standards as traditional products.

Will a plant-based composite filling be as durable as amalgam? Can a biodegradable bone graft material properly integrate and promote healing?

The answer to these concerns is a Yes!

Extensive scientific research has shown that modern sustainable dental materials are as effective as their traditional alternatives.

Lastly

Shifting towards environmentally sustainable practices is a responsibility that is shared. Dentists, manufacturers, suppliers, and patients must team up to adopt eco-friendly biodegradable alternatives that help our planet remain healthy while giving quality oral care.

Through simple and impactful decisions like this, we can help preserve natural resources and ecosystems as we look into a more sustainable future.