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Facts on Mercury Fillings in Teeth

Dentists have used mercury fillings, or dental amalgam fillings, to fill cavities since the 1890s, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Sometimes referred to as silver fillings because of their color, they are a mixture of liquid mercury and a powder containing mostly silver, tin and copper. Because of the toxic characteristics of mercury, the fillings are controversial and the subject of ongoing review by the FDA.

  1. Mercury Fillings

    • Million of patients have received mercury fillings. They have been a primary choice of dentists because of their superior binding techniques. Alternative substances exist but mercury often is a superior choice because of its efficacy and low cost. Liquid mercury, when mixed with the powder, becomes part of the filling when placed in the patient's mouth. Dangers exist because of allergic reactions to mercury in some patients and the inhalation of mercury vapor. Most scientific evidence supports the idea that removal of mercury fillings creates a greater risk than leaving the existing fillings in place because of the potential mercury exposure.

    FDA Findings

    • The current findings of the FDA were issued on August 4, 2009, with an effective date of November 2, 2009, and are found in the Federal Register. The FDA reclassified dental amalgams and dental mercury into Class II, which allows the agency to issue special controls which are found in a guidance document. The FDA recommends labeling that states mercury fillings should not be used on a patient with mercury allergies, that dental professionals use adequate ventilation when using mercury and a statement discussing the pros and cons of the filings, including the possible risk of mercury vapor inhalation. Specifically the FDA found that the benefits from the use of mercury fillings outweigh the risks and that there is an absence of unreasonable risk in its use when applying the special controls.

    Legal Issues

    • An advisory panel reviewed the decision of the FDA and in December 2010 recommended that the FDA re-examine its decision, according to WebMD. That re-examination is ongoing as of April 2011, with the FDA holding public meetings to receive input from the public. The American Dental Association supports the use of mercury fillings. In April 2011, it issued a statement supporting the position that dental amalgams should be under the regulation of the FDA and not treated as a commercial product under any international treaties. This would prevent the United States from entering into treaties that would ban the use of mercury fillings.

    Choices

    • The FDA points out that the decision to use mercury fillings is between the dentist and the patient. Each patient has the right to refuse to accept a mercury filling when having a cavity filled. There are many dentists who do not use mercury fillings or who offer alternative fillings without mercury. Ask your dentist if she offers an alternative to mercury fillings. Find out what your dentist believes to be the correct course of action based upon your individual situation.

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