Quintessence Int 2001 Oct;32(9):696-710
Mercury-containing amalgam restorative
material has come under attack for its alleged harmful effects on systemic
health.
A literature search revealed that
amalgam restorations release small quantities of mercury but apparently
not enough to cause systemic health problems.
Mercury from dental amalgam restorations
cannot be linked to kidney damage, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis,
other central nervous system diseases, "amalgam disease," mental disorders,
damage to the immune system, increases in antibiotic resistance, or harmful
reproductive effects.
Dentists occupationally exposed to
mercury have not been shown to suffer harmful reproductive or other systemic
health effects, provided proper mercury hygiene is used.
There are legitimate health concerns
about alternative restorative materials, including resin composite.
According to the latest scientific
information available, dental amalgam remains a safe and effective restorative
material.
PMID: 11695138 [PubMed - in process]
Wahl MJ.
WahlMichaelJ@aol.com