![]() ![]() Yet, in 2009, the FDA itself moved the use of amalgams to Class II (moderate risk) from the previous Class I (low risk), which is slightly contradictory to their position on the safety of amalgam. Not only that, the FDA brands the removal of amalgam for fear of mercury vapor unethical, and dentists performing the procedure risks losing their license. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises against the removal of amalgam and warns that this could cause more harm to the patient compared to leaving the fillings as they are. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t consider amalgam to be unsafe. If we consider the higher numbers from these studies, the WHO’s statement, and continuous exposure, mercury vapor from amalgams should be deemed unhealthy as per standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that the exposure significantly increases – up to 5 times – with certain practices and habits such as grinding your teeth, chewing gum and drinking carbonated drinks. The Dental Amalgam (Silver Fillings) Safety ControversyĪccording to different studies, the level of mercury you get exposed if you were fitted with amalgam fillings ranges from 1 microgram a day to 27 micrograms a day. ![]() The vapor levels are particularly high when inserting and removing the fillings, so possible extraction needs to be completed with great care. Many people are not even aware that their dental work contains mercury that produces potentially dangerous vapor in their mouth. This is where the problem with silver fillings starts. To this day, no alternative to mercury has been discovered, so it continues to be used. 50% of amalgam filling is mercury, which is used to bind the other elements together. They have been used for over 150 years and are popular due to their durability, affordability and ease of manipulation.Īmalgam fillings are a preferred choice for many dentists and patients, especially when fixing back teeth that need strength for chewing and are not visible when we smile, so their appearance is often less of a priority.Īmalgam is a mixture of mercury, copper, tin and silver. What is Exactly Amalgam?Įvery year, about a billion amalgam fillings are fitted. Thimerosal- A crystalline organic mercury compound used as an antifungal and antibacterial agent and present in very small amounts in some vaccines.Could your amalgam fillings be slowly damaging your health? Should they be removed or are they safe as they are? This article aims to provide some information to help with the decision about your dental work. Organic mercury- Poisonous compounds containing mercury and carbon, such as methylmercury, ethylmercury, and phenylmercury. These compounds occur as industrial byproducts and pesticide residues accumulate in fish and other organisms, especially those high on the food chain and are rapidly absorbed through the human intestine to cause neurological disorders such as Minamata disease. Methylmercury- Any of various toxic compounds containing the organic grouping CH3Hg. Mercuric chloride mercury(II) chloride (HgCl 2)- A poisonous crystalline form of inorganic mercury that is used as a disinfectant and fungicide. ![]() Inorganic mercury- Inorganic compounds such as mercuric oxide (HgO) and mercuric chloride (HgCl 2). Elemental mercury (Hg)- Metallic mercury quicksilver a heavy, silvery, poisonous metallic element that is a liquid at room temperature but vaporizes readily. Contact dermatitis- Skin inflammation from contact with an allergen or other irritating substance. Chelators- Various compounds that bind to metals such as mercury. Cerebral palsy- Brain damage before, during, or just after birth that results in lack of muscle coordination and problems with speech. KEY TERMS Button batteries- Tiny, round batteries containing mercuric chloride that power items such as watches, hearing aids, calculators, cameras, and penlights. ![]()
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