Dental Amalgam and Health Issues

Update:  The FDA has set a deadline for its reclassification of dental amalgam.  See the ADA News Press Release. 

Ongoing concern over the use of mercury amalgam as a dental filling centers around possible long-term health effects which may be associated with constant mercury exposure.

In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for a reclassification of dental amalgam and its components. A final ruling will be issued in July 2008 on the basis of empirical data and scientific evidence.

In a recent press release, the American Dental Association (ADA) stated that “dental amalgam remains a safe, affordable and durable cavity filling choice for dental patients“.

The following is a list of links to resources and research pertaining to this issue:

• Clinical trials indexed in PubMed.
• Recent articles indexed in PubMed.
• Consumer information from the FDA.
• FDA dental products panel meeting documents.
• FDA amalgam classifications.
• Overview from the ADA
• From the National Library of Medicine Environmental Health and Toxicology.

Clinical Recommendations for Sealants

Q&A on evidence-based clinical recommendations for sealants

To assist dentists in using the new Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations for the Use of Pit-and-Fissure Sealants, the ADA has developed a set of questions and answers to aid dentists in interpreting the new guidelines and discussing them with patients.

Read about the recommendations here.

For more information on Evidence Based Dentistry visit this posting.

Facts on Dental Fillings

The ADA has produced a fact sheet about the benefits and drawbacks of dental restorative materials, to assist patients in reviewing their best options.

Click here to download the flyer.

New at the Movies

 From Medline Plus Oral Cancer Removal and Palate Reconstruction.

 From About.com, click on each title to see:

What Happens During a Root Canal? 

Causes and Effects of Gingivitis

What are Cavities