Much controversy has surrounded the notion that dental amalgam -- a restorative material used to fill dental cavities -- contains mercury that may be harmful to those who receive fillings. Some researchers fear this mercury may lead to a range of adverse human health effects after it has been placed in the mouth.
However, peer-reviewed scientific and medical literature has revealed, "There is no scientifically relevant and definitive evidence to demonstrate a causal link between dental amalgam and adverse health effects, except in rare instances of allergic reactions."
In order to draw these conclusions, roughly 300 studies of high scientific merit and study design were used, as well as various other submissions from the public. However, the primary basis for the review was from studies of mercury vapor or dental amalgam exposure in humans. Evidence in regard to adverse human outcomes was evaluated from a number of perspectives such as: epidemiological studies, secular trend data, animal toxicity studies, dose-response relationships and the plausibility of biological mechanisms.
Among the findings opposing the claim that dental amalgam poses health risks, some specifically state:
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There is lacking evidence to support a connection between dental amalgam exposure and health problems such as kidney or cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer‘s disease, Parkinson‘s disease or multiple sclerosis
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A variety of (non-specific) complaints accredited to dental amalgam have not been shown to be due to increased mercury release and absorptions from dental amalgam
Dental amalgam has been used for more than 150 years in an estimated 71 million restorations (fillings) each year. Dentists use it because it is durable, easy to work with and can be quickly placed into a prepared tooth.
EurekAlert December 9, 2004
