|
|
|
Dental Amalgam Use and BenefitsAmalgam is one of the most commonly used tooth fillings. It is a safe, sound, and effective treatment for tooth decay. Amalgam has been the most widely used tooth filling material for decades. It remains popular because it is strong, lasting and low-cost. On this page:
How Amalgam Is MadeAmalgam is made by blending almost equal parts of elemental liquid mercury and an alloy powder of mostly silver, and some tin and copper. Smaller amounts of other metals are sometimes used.
Safety ConcernsThe mercury found in amalgam fillings has raised some safety concerns over the years. Amalgam can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time. Patients can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them. People can also be exposed to mercury through other means. Exposure can happen through certain foods (particularly fish), medications, the air we breathe, and other sources. Mercury toxicity from high-level industrial or work exposure is well found. Possible symptoms of mercury poisoning include irritability, memory loss, tremors, poor physical coordination, insomnia, kidney failure, and anorexia. Little Evidence of Any Health RiskReports that suggest mercury from amalgam causes the above-mentioned symptoms, conditions and other diseases like Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis, are not backed up by current scientific evidence.* The evidence also suggests that the removal of amalgam has no health benefits. Scientists supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) recently reported the results of two randomized clinical trials that weighed the safety of placing amalgam fillings in the teeth of children. NIDCR is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One study was conducted in the United States and the other in Europe. The results are published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). Both studies separately reach the same conclusion. Children whose cavities are filled with dental amalgam have no harmful health effects. The findings include no detectable loss of intellect, memory, coordination, focus, nerve conduction, or kidney function during the 5 to7 years the children were followed. Prior work studies with adults indicate these organs might be especially sensitive to mercury. Amalgam Use is DecliningAmalgam use is declining for several reasons. The main reason is that cavity rates among school children and young adults are dropping. Improved filling alternatives are also now available for certain uses. Community water fluoridation, fluoride products, and sealants have played large roles in tooth decay decline. Other factors include changes in eating behavior and improvements in oral hygiene products and practices. Dental amalgam is used—
Dental amalgam is not used when—
Ongoing Research and Regulatory ActivitiesThe U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reported on the risks and benefits of dental amalgam in 1993. Since, it has periodically examined the peer-reviewed scientific literature to judge the safety and effectiveness of amalgam and to update the public. A recent review* conducted for the USPHS in 2004 found “insufficient evidence of a link between dental mercury and health problems, except in rare instances of allergic reaction.” The FDA is currently reviewing the scientific evidence on the safe use of amalgam. It expects to report on any changes to classification and material or labeling controls in 2009. Such changes could impact the rules for the marketing of dental amalgam. Related Links
* Links to non-Federal organizations are
provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an
endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none
should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual
organization Web pages found at this link. One or more documents on this Web page is available in Portable Document Format (PDF). You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print these documents.
Page last reviewed: October 8, 2008 |
|
||||||||||||
|