The Center for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that measurable levels of mercury existed in most participants of a recent study, “Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals.” Blood and urine samples provided a comprehensive result. These tests showed that in participants over six years old, mercury levels grew with age. However, the finding is in line with other developed nations.
We have to balance this with the fact that mercury can be found in the earth’s elements – soil, water, and air – as well as household items like light bulbs and thermometers. In industry, mercury is released when burning fossil fuels. So while it is toxic in high levels, mercury is a fact of life. For more information, read this MedicalNewsToday article.
As a dentist, your main concern is how the mercury in dental amalgam affects patients. One report in Chemical Research in Toxicology tells of a study in which scientists analyzed 20-year-old amalgam fillings. They found that these restorations contain beta-mercuric sulfide (metacinnabar), which is unlikely to be toxic in humans. Furthermore, whether from evaporation, foods, or oral hygiene products, the mercury in amalgam fillings is reduced by about 95% over time. So old fillings have less mercury today than when they were placed. The article at MedicalNewsToday.com notes that scientists are not yet certain that mercury in amalgam fillings is safe.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Ulf // Dec 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm
It should be pointed out that the part of the investigation dealing with old amalgam fillings is based on only ONE single tooth. The investigation also deals with the surface of the filling perhaps a few micrometers deep.
In addition to that the authors say: “The exact history and age of the restoration is unknown,…”
The wild conclusions on the Internet made by others saying this is proof of older amalgam fillings being less toxic is totally unscientific.
One simply cannot base such wild conclusions on one single specimen of unknown history.
Ulf
2 Ulf // Dec 14, 2009 at 6:41 pm
It should be pointed out that the part of the investigation dealing with old amalgam fillings is based on only ONE single tooth. The investigation also deals with the surface of the filling perhaps a few micrometers deep.
In addition to that the authors say: “The exact history and age of the restoration is unknown,…”
The wild conclusions on the Internet made by others saying this is proof of older amalgam fillings being less toxic is totally unscientific.
One simply cannot base such wild conclusions on one single specimen of unknown history.
Ulf
3 Mette Sikjaer // Dec 14, 2009 at 10:56 pm
The debate about the toxicity of mercury is already more than 150 years old and it is interesting that the conclusion always seems to be the same: ‘Since we are not sure whether mercury is harmful, we will continue to use it in dental fillings.’ Somehow, that argument has never really made sense to me. Anyway, thanks for an informative and balanced article.
4 Mette Sikjaer // Dec 14, 2009 at 10:56 pm
The debate about the toxicity of mercury is already more than 150 years old and it is interesting that the conclusion always seems to be the same: ‘Since we are not sure whether mercury is harmful, we will continue to use it in dental fillings.’ Somehow, that argument has never really made sense to me. Anyway, thanks for an informative and balanced article.
5 Howard // Dec 16, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I don’t completely understand the problem with mercury. I know many people with mercury in their fillings and they are all healthy.
The debate has been raging for a very long time so I would think that if there was a problem it would have been found by know.
6 Howard // Dec 16, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I don’t completely understand the problem with mercury. I know many people with mercury in their fillings and they are all healthy.
The debate has been raging for a very long time so I would think that if there was a problem it would have been found by know.
7 Emergency dental // Dec 23, 2009 at 9:09 am
The controversy with dental amalgam has been around for a long time now. I do not believe that there is any problem with the mercury levels contained in dental amalgam restorations. As amalgam is becoming more obselete, this controversy will soon no longer be relevant.
8 Emergency dental // Dec 23, 2009 at 9:09 am
The controversy with dental amalgam has been around for a long time now. I do not believe that there is any problem with the mercury levels contained in dental amalgam restorations. As amalgam is becoming more obselete, this controversy will soon no longer be relevant.
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