January 28, 2008 – Dental mercury amalgam fillings are currently the subject of a public consultation in Europe, led by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and New Health Risks (SCISSEN) of the European Commission.
In a preliminary report1 submitted in November 2007, the SCENIHR concluded that dental amalgam, which consists mainly of mercury, does not represent a risk to the health of the patient. Very few side effects have been observed and no disease can be associated with their presence in the mouth, underlines the scientific committee.
Dental amalgam fillings generally give off small amounts of mercury vapor, according to SCENIHR. The levels emitted by amalgams – from 3 µg to 17 µg per day – are well below the toxicity thresholds – about 346 µg per day.
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The scientific committee also looked at the growing use of alternatives to mercury alloys such as composites, resins or ceramics. They are also safe, reads the report.
These products are made of complex materials, some of which could react with cavities or the gum, however, underlines the SCISSEN. Some of them could be toxic or cause mutations, have found in vitro studies. However, the committee adds, these chemical materials have been in use for over 30 years and very few adverse effects are associated with them.
The consultations will end on February 22, 2008. The preliminary report could then be revised to take into account the opinions filed.
A subject of controversy
“Current scientific data shows that dental amalgams still have their place in dentistry. Although the absence of risk has not been demonstrated, studies do not link the mercury alloys to the alleged symptoms, ”says Benoît Soucy, dentist and director of member services at the Canadian Dental Association.
The Quebec Academy of Biocompatible Dentistry, for its part, is against the use of dental mercury alloys. “To form an opinion, there is still a lack of studies on the environmental consequences of the use of mercury. Eventually, it is our health that will be affected, ”suggests Pierre Larose, dentist and former secretary of the Academy.
Charles Désy – PasseportSanté.net
1. Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, The safety of dental amalgam and alternative dental restoration materials for patients and users –Preliminary Report, European Commission, 2007. http://ec.europa.eu. [Consulté le 28 janvier 2008].