$Unique_ID{BRK00359}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Concern About Mercury in Teeth Fillings}
$Subject{teeth fillings mercury}
$Volume{I-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Concern About Mercury in Teeth Fillings


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QUESTION:  I have been reading some disturbing information about teeth
fillings that may be poisonous, and would like your opinion.  If mercury can
be poison to the body and is used to fill teeth, doesn't that mean you could
be poisoned and should have all those fillings removed?

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ANSWER:  A great deal of time and effort has be spent to examine just this
question, whether or not mercury as used in fillings (is called a dental
amalgam) should be a concern for patients, and, more specifically, if such
fillings should be replaced by other materials, such as silver.  I too, have
read articles which discussed this situation, and apparently, so have the
members of the dental profession, as well as other interested groups.  Using
the research that is now available, The American Dental Association, The
National Institute of Dental Research, the Public Health Service and Consumers
Union found that "except in individuals sensitive to mercury, there is no
reason why a patient should seek to have amalgam restorations removed."  As if
this was not clear enough, the House of Delegates of the American Dental
Association, in 1986, also stated "Advocating the removal of clinically
serviceable dental amalgam restorations solely to substitute a material that
does not contain mercury is unwarranted."  That would seem to translate to,
"If it isn't broken don't fix it." even if it contains mercury.  So according
to those who should know what they are talking about, it would seem that
having a few fillings in your teeth that contain mercury poses no special
risks for the patient.  For the future, new methods of filling teeth and new
formulas for amalgams, probably have completely eliminated the possibilities
of problems.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
