Replacing amalgam fillings with composite inlays--a case report

The latest revival of the old amalgam controversy is causing dentists to be inundated with requests from patients to replace their amalgam fillings with more "acceptable" filling materials. A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia has been monitored since 1981. All his amalgam fillings were replaced by baked composite inlays. The amount of mercury in his urine was determined before and after treatment. Although there was a slight decrease of the mercury in urine after treatment (6 mu gm/l compared to 10 mu gm/l before treatment) his blood picture remained unchanged. Replacement of sound amalgam fillings is not recommended.