Over the past several years, concerns have been raised about silver-coloured fillings, otherwise called amalgams. Our practice follows and accepts the research-based guidelines and information provided by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), which states:
Dental amalgam is a safe and durable material that has been used by dentists to restore teeth for well over 100 years. It is a mixture of metals including silver, copper and tin, to which mercury is added. The mercury binds these components to form an alloy which has a long established record of safety and durability as a dental filling.
Many scientific studies have shown that the very small amounts of mercury released from an amalgam filling during its placement or removal, and in fact over the whole life of that restoration, do not cause any adverse health effects.
NZDA affirms the safety of dental amalgam as a restorative material. Patients are assured that the current extensive scientific evidence shows amalgam fillings, whether old or new, do not constitute a threat to their health. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that there is no evidence of any association linking amalgam fillings with chronic degenerative diseases, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, cognitive function, adverse pregnancy outcomes, or any non-specific symptoms. Also, the studies have failed to demonstrate that removal of amalgam fillings will improve patients’ health, or result in the remission of any symptoms of illnesses.
There has been concern over the release of a small amount of mercury vapour from these fillings. According to the various researches all around the globe however, there is no scientific evidence that this small amount results in adverse health effects.
This link is to an interesting article http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mercury.html
