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Dental amalgam and mercury in dentistry
1Dental School, University of Adelaide.
Australian Dental Journal
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Dental amalgam fillings release low levels of mercury, causing public health concerns. Policymakers must balance risks and benefits, especially for sensitive groups, while dentists inform patients about mercury exposure.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Dental amalgam fillings are a source of low-level mercury exposure for millions.
- Public concern exists regarding mercury from dental amalgams, despite difficult risk interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine public policy issues surrounding the continued use of dental amalgam.
- To inform policymakers about the complexities of dental mercury risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence on health effects associated with dental amalgams.
- Analysis of risk assessment studies, including occupational mercury exposure.
- Consideration of public perception and environmental concerns regarding mercury.
Main Results:
- Dental fillings release approximately 2-5 micrograms of mercury daily per adult.
- Methodological challenges complicate the interpretation of health effect studies.
- Public concern and environmental factors influence policy decisions.
Conclusions:
- Continued use of dental amalgam presents ongoing public health and policy challenges.
- Prudent policies should focus on minimizing mercury exposure, particularly in sensitive populations.
- Dentists must inform patients about risks and respect their choices regarding dental materials.