The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently came out with a statement that claims that the silver/mercury amalgam fillings may be harmful to pregnant women, children, fetuses and people who are sensitive to mercury exposure. This came out after years of asserting that mercury in fillings was safe. According to the FDA website Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses.
The FDA also committed to issuing controls on mercury fillings in July 2009. These controls could include information warnings about the effect of mercury on certain people but bans are unlikely according to Mary Peper Long, FDA spokesperson.
The ADA American dental Association maintains that amalgam is “a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used in teh teeth of more than 100 million Americans”.
We at The Gentle Dentist haven’t used dental amalgam for the past 8 years and have found that the tooth colored composite fillings not only look better, but they also bond the tooth together. There are alternatives to the mercury fillings. Amalgam has been banned in Sweden for the past couple of years. These statements and findings validate our decision to not place these fillings in my patients.
What has also concerned me is that OSHA requires that the extra amalgam not used needs to be stored and disposed of using special containers and hiring hazardous waste companies to remove from the office. I have had a hard time ethically placing this type of filling in someone’s mouth and attempt to call it safe.
If you are concerned about the effects of amalgam give us a call at (586)247-3500 to schedule a consultation or email me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com.
Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home. His motto is to relax while we take care of your smile. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County Michigan. For more information visit our website at www.thegentledentist.com
