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Lymphocyte levels in subjects with and without amalgam restorations
J R Mackert1, M S Leffell, D A Wagner
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-1254.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Dental amalgam restorations do not appear to impact the human immune system. This study found no evidence supporting claims that mercury from amalgam causes reduced immunocompetence in individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding potential health effects of mercury released from dental amalgam.
- Specifically, the claim of "reduced immunocompetence" linked to amalgam use requires scientific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether dental amalgam restorations affect the human immune system.
- To evaluate the validity of the claim that mercury from amalgam leads to reduced immunocompetence.
Main Methods:
- Lymphocyte populations, key components of the immune system, were measured.
- Blood samples were analyzed from 37 subjects, comparing 21 individuals with amalgam restorations to 16 individuals without.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of major lymphocyte populations between subjects with and without amalgam restorations.
- The findings do not provide evidence to support the assertion that amalgam restorations compromise immune function.
Conclusions:
- Dental amalgam restorations do not appear to negatively affect the human immune system.
- The study refutes the claim that mercury exposure from dental amalgam results in reduced immunocompetence.