The challenge for innovation in direct restorative materials

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Dental Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Global health initiatives, including the Minamata Convention, aim to reduce risks from chemical exposures.
• Dental caries is a prevalent global disease affecting oral health and quality of life.
• Dental amalgam, a common restorative material, releases mercury into the environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of dental amalgam in mercury exposure.
• To discuss the implications of the Minamata Convention for dentistry.
• To highlight the importance of caries prevention and alternative materials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on mercury use in dentistry.
• Analysis of the Minamata Convention's provisions regarding dental amalgam.
• Discussion of caries prevention strategies and restorative material alternatives.

Main Results:

• The Minamata Convention targets a phase-out of mercury products, with a phase-down for dental amalgam.
• Dental amalgam use contributes to environmental mercury release.
• Effective caries prevention is the most viable strategy to reduce reliance on dental amalgam.

Conclusions:

• Minimizing mercury's environmental impact requires a focus on dental caries prevention.
• Research into safe and effective amalgam alternatives is ongoing.
• Implementing best management practices for dental amalgam is crucial, especially in developing countries.