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Mercury in Dental Amalgam and Resin-Based Alternatives: A Comparative Health RiskEvaluation
Authors: Serap Erdal, Ph.D. in collab. with Peter Orris, M.D., M.P.H.
June 13, 2012. 68 pages.
Summary
Based on current evidence,the ultimate goal of a phase-out of virtually all usage of dental mercury is recommended. This phase-out must be planned and deliberate, assuring continued emphasis on adequate restorations to prevent continued tooth decay and the potential of malnutrition in economically impoverished areas.
Such a phase-out, therefore, must take into account the practical availability of alternative materials, the equipment needed to utilize non-mercury alternatives, the training of dentists to utilize these alternatives, and the costs to the patient and society.
Based on this comparative review and the practical experience of countries and dentists that have essentially eliminated mercury amalgams, a virtual phase-out of dental amalgam, with exceptions provided for difficult cases, is possible and advisable. Dental personnel handling these materials should take proper exposure
control measures due to the demonstrated genotoxicity and allergenicity of some of these compounds. In conclusion,
governments and international agencies are urged to make resources available to reduce the costs of this transition in economically impoverished areas.
Finally, it is clear that further research is needed to improve exposure and toxicity information pertaining to both constituents and mixtures of the alternatives.
