Amalgam Mercury (silver) fillings are a matter of medical dispute over whether they affect the health of people who have them as fillings in teeth. Many of the EPD related doctors will have some concern with the interaction of mercury with the immune system and allergies. Heavy metal exposures from a work environment (i.g. welding shops or metal/chemical processing) are also a related concern. On 6/3/97, Stan Rohrer <stan.rohrer at scitexdpi.

When mercury is combined with other materials in dental amalgam, its chemical nature changes, so it is essentially harmless. The amount released in the mouth under the pressure of chewing and grinding is extremely small and no cause for alarm. In fact, it is less than what patients are exposed to in food, air, and water. Ongoing scientific studies conducted over the past 100 years continue to prove that amalgam is not harmful.

On 11 Jun 1996, MARTHA RALL <mrall at kumc.edu> said: EPD should not interfere with your ability to work, unless you get some unusually SEVERE side effects with it. If you work in a moldy or chemically laden environment, you may need to take 1-2 days "off" [holiday] during the critical 3 days surrounding EPD. I get my shots usually Saturday morning, so I can be "sick" [on holiday] Friday, Saturday & Sunday. On Jan 27, 1997, Marge Jones <mastent at enaila.nidlink.

Yes not only does it cause damage to the brain it can also cause possible damage to the kidneys and immune system. Ref: Press conference of the Swedish Council for Planning and Coordinating Research Stockholm 19 February 1998 "Amalgam can cause brain damage in Children."

On October 8, 2003, Geoffrey Grubbs, Director, Office of Science and Technology, Office of Water, testified before the House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Wellness and Human Rights. Read his testimony (PDF, 9pp, 81K, About PDF )

Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of the compound. Mercury is used to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found to be the only element that will bind these metals together in such a way that can be easily manipulated into a tooth cavity.

Silver stars" are another name we use for silver fillings. It is made of dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury is used to bind the metals together and provide a strong, hard durable filling material. Mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous. When mercury is combined with other materials in dental amalgam, its chemical nature is changed making it harmless.

Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) is an administration, via skin injection, of a beta glucuronidase enzyme and minute doses of mixed allergens. The enzyme is used at levels already found present in the body and the allergens are used in quantities much less than in conventional desensitizing treatments (allergy shots). The treatment is safer than conventional desensitizing treatments due to the low volumes of the agents.

Yes. Amalgam fillings are linked to neurological problems gastrointestinal problems sleep disturbances concentration problems memory disturbances restlessness bleeding gums and other mouth disorders. Ref: The statistical analysis 17500 system questionnaires (Tubing Norway) on Mercury from amalgam. Press conference in Jan 1997.

No, there are patients who are sensitive to the components of amalgam, just as there are individuals who are sensitive or allergic to other chemical substances or even foods such as milk or bread. It has been estimated that the prevalence of mercury sensitivity in the general population is approximately three per cent (JADA, Vol. 122, Aug. 1991, p. 54). Dentists may consider the use of composite fillings or other restorative materials in individual cases.

CDA continues to encourage the federal government to support further research specifically related to dental amalgam. Further risk assessment of total body burden of mercury from all sources should be undertaken, by means of an expert panel of scientists working openly and cooperatively with the scientific and professional communities. CDA has offered to cooperate on such research and to contribute to funding.

No, the dental profession believes in informed patient consent and recognizes patient interest above any other considerations. Dental amalgam is still the restorative material of choice in most instances, and because of its excellent durability and low cost as a restorative material, the risk/benefit ratio is in the patient's interest. Take a common sense approach to your decisions about dental amalgam.

If your stress level is a normal part of your life, it probably won't affect EPD. If you have an extra stressful time in the days before, through the week after, the shot, the effectiveness may be reduced but likely not completely killed. Since some of the doctors only offer shots once a month, the patient may be just as well off to get the shot, even under stress, than to add another month to the cycle.

Amalgam, or “silver”, fillings are the most commonly placed filling material according to the ADA. Since the largest component of amalgam is mercury, not silver, they should be referred to as mercury fillings. More than 78% of dentist surveyed by the ADA considered amalgam the material of choice because it is cheap, easy to place, and it’s longevity.

Restorative materials do not fall into a classification for which Health Canada requires pre-market approval. However, Health Protection Branch (HPB) can take regulatory action on any medical device or material at any time, and HPB currently does not restrict dental amalgam in Canada. Scientific studies have not verified that dental amalgam is causing illness in the general population.

It should be noted that Health Canada has taken the position that "new amalgam fillings should not be placed in contact with existing metal devices in the mouth, such as braces." Health Canada's concern is related to galvanic effect, which occurs when two different metals are in close proximity and create the potential for electric current to be generated. Dentists are aware of the possibility of abutting metals creating a galvanic effect.

The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. Methylmercury and metallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms, because more mercury in these forms reaches the brain. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems.

Very small amounts of mercury can be released from the amalgam fillings. Testing equipment has enabled dentists to make this finding. It is also known that this release of mercury occurs mostly when the amalgam fillings are polished or removed.

It is possible but it is very rare. Since 1905, only 46 cases have been reported worldwide. You can consult your doctor in the event that you are particularly concerned. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to ascertain whether you are allergic. If it turns out that you are allergic, your dentist can utilise an alternative type of filling for you. Not at all. There were a few incidents of European parliaments attempting to phase out the use of dental amalgam.

Over the years there has been some concern as to the safety of amalgam (silver/mercury) fillings. An amalgam is a blend of copper, silver, tin and zinc, bound by elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The controversy is due to claims that the exposure to the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can cause a variety of health problems.