Amalgam Fillings: Danger to those in the Dentist Chair and Behind it

Despite the fact that the World Health Organization declared that a safe level of mercury exposure has never been established, dentists are still giving patients mercury-containing amalgam fillings. Although amalgam fillings are durable and strong, the potential harmful side effects that can result from the mercury within these dental restorations should be a sufficient reason to band these fillings from all dental practices.

Several government and medical studies have concluded that amalgam fillings (see picture to below), which contain 50% Mercury, are the number one source of human exposure to this toxic substance. Mercury has been proven to damage DNA, impair kidney function, and induce autoimmune and neurological diseases, like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, a Beverly Hills biological dentist claims that, “A wide range of problems have been associated with mercury poisoning such as chronic tiredness, digestive problems, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness and sinus troubles,” Other signs and symptoms associated with mercury poisoning include tension and migraine headaches, hair loss, asthma, allergies, and eczema. There are several stories posted on the web that cover patients’ experiences with overcoming these side effects. Daniel Lewis, a former varsity athlete in Portland Oregon, said that two weeks after the removal of his amalgam restorations, his nose bleeds, neurological moods swings, and paranoid thoughts immediately ceased. Chuck Balzer of Lincroft, New Jersey, was misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia because he suffered complaints of lower leg pain, exacerbating arthritis, and fatigue. Once he took the advice of the right general practitioner who recommended he remove his amalgam fillings, he noticed that his overall health dramatically improved.

It is quite disturbing that these types of fillings are still in use, especially after the publishing of over 100 scientific papers linking mercury poisoning with amalgam fillings. What is even more appalling is the fact that the well-known and respected American Dental Association recently published an article that labels any dentist who removes amalgam restorations unethical. The European Union scientific committee recently stated in a similar bulletin that, "No risks of adverse systemic effects exist and the current use of dental amalgam does not pose a risk of systemic disease.” Unfortunately, comments from certain “trustworthy” organizations appear to be persuading practitioners that these fillings are safe.

If the risk to the patient’s safety is not enough to completely dissuade dentists from amalgam fillings, perhaps the consequences mercury can have on the practitioner’s health will be sufficient. Scientific data has revealed that dentists who use these restorations have double the number of brain tumors and perform less well with respect to neurological function tests than dentists who do not use fillings containing mercury. It would be beneficial for dentists to take advantage of the several technological advancements in dental medicine, and become more adamant about promoting the use of alternative methods and materials, for both their own safety and the patient’s. Some new techniques are not only safer, but more efficient and less painful. Using a dental laser instead of a drill to fill cavities is a less invasive technique. Gold fillings, although not aesthetically pleasing, are very durable like amalgam, but less dangerous. White fillings, otherwise known as composite fillings, are smaller than amalgam fillings and require less tooth preparation. They also make the tooth stronger, and less sensitive to temperature changes in the mouth. Resin ionomers is another option. They offer a more natural appearance and contain fluoride, which protects the tooth from future decay. According to Dr. Maddahi, “It is impossible for dentists to say who or who will not manifest overt symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning,” similar to how physicians cannot always determine which patients may react defectively with certain medications. This should further encourage dentists to use these other types of fillings that are guaranteed to fix dental caries and simultaneously maintain the wellbeing of the patients. .

Regrettably, the extensive evidence on the dangers of amalgam fillings and the emergence of new technology is still not enough to completely discontinue their use. Furthermore, since there is also a lack of regulation from the government and other health organizations, it seems as though the only other source that could possibly provide a solution to this recurring issue may be the patient. While some are more prone to cavities than others, like smokers, chemotherapy patients, sufferers of Sjogren Syndrome, and those who have dysfunctional salivary glands, there are still ways to prevent the development of caries (see picture to right). Simply by avoiding sugary foods, and brushing and flossing three times a day, individuals can maintain good oral hygiene, which may save a trip to the dentist, a few hundred dollars, and allow an individual to steer clear of receiving fillings altogether. Nevertheless, it is still unfortunate that patients may need to guard their safety solely by themselves, instead of being able to entirely rely on their practitioner.

The harmful side effects of amalgam fillings, which have been recognized for several years, should make their use unacceptable. More dentists and organizations need to take a stance like the American Academy of Head, Neck and Facial Pain, who feels that, “The evidence is too overwhelming to continue to practice in ignorance and avoidance of the facts.” Though some dentists have taken the appropriate actions and attitude towards these mercury-containing restorations, some is not enough.