The Truth Regarding Metal in your Oral Fillings

In 1985 the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology reviewed the transcript of the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) Workshop on the biocompatibility of Metals in Dentistry and the then available scientific literature and concluded that there was reasonable doubt about the safety of dental amalgam.

We recommended that: The use of metal/silver fillings should be discontinued until such time as primary pathological evidence of amalgam safety is produced.

Since the 1985 recommended moratorium on future placement of metal/silver fillings, scientific research has furthered reinforced the basis for concern. The IAOMT acknowledges that primary pathological data linking metal from dental amalgam with any specific disease is not available. This would in fact be impossible because primary studies have never been undertaken.

However, we understand that such investigations are currently underway, partially funded by IAOMT.

DR. HANK BARRETO'S POSITION

Barreto, a third generation dentist based in Kendall, slowly replaced his 10 silver fillings with alternative resin fillings. He didn't suffer a serious illness; he just didn't like the idea of having a toxic substance in his body. " I don't know if it was psychological or not, but after the removal I felt better," Barreto said. "I kept hearing it helped people over some insomnia, digestive problems, you name it. All of these testimonials had me thinking it was the right thing to do."

The Miami Herald, Thursday January 13, 20000, Shunning Silver: Some dental patients, worried about metal in silver fillings, are trying alternatives, by. Jodi Mailander Farrell

IS METAL POISONOUS?

"It is a fallacy that metal is neutralized when it is combined with other components of silver dental amalgam. The laws of physical chemistry are followed. metal is diluted by the other components of amalgam in what may be considered a solid solution. Although the vapor pressure of metal is reduced, metal vapor is still released. An identical situation arises when alcohol is diluted by water."
Dun, A. Harmful Vapors in the Office: A report of the findings of the 1985 ODA/RCDS survey of metal vapor in dental offices in Ontario Ontario Dentist p 37-38 4/1988

Research has shown that metal even in extremely small amounts has toxic effects, for example, low dose metal exposure has been shown to produce neurological pathology, cytotoxicity to nerve tissue.

IS METAL RELEASED FROM FILLINGS?

Published experimental evidence as early as 1926 has demonstrated that metal is not locked in, but is released from fillings. More recent research has shown that both chewing and tooth brushing release metal vapor into the human oral cavity.
Stock, A. Die Gefahrlichkeit des quecksilberdampfes. Z Angew Chem. 1926, 39: 461-488.

Svare, C.W., Peterson, L.C., Reinhardt, J.W., Boyer, D.B., Frank, C.W., Gay, D.D., Cox, R.D. The effect of Dental Amalgams on metal levels in expired air. J Dent Res. 60:1668-71, 1981

THE REMOVAL OF METAL

The removal of metal and the preparation for bio-friendly replacement materials require expertise. Research is clearly showing that the use of new materials is very technique sensitive. This means that the dentist must be well informed on the different materials.

ARE OTHER MATERIALS SAFE?

There is no ADA certification for the mixed amalgam as, "safe and effective." The ADA has maintained that mixed dental amalgam is a reaction product manufactured by the individual dentist and therefore cannot be certified and it is the responsibility of the individual dentist to determine the efficacy of the materials and their appropriateness for each patient. One reading this paragraph is given the distinct impression that dental amalgam has the ADA seal of approval as, "safe and effective" and has been certified. What has been certified is the purity of the metal and the composition of the silver alloy.
ADA Letter: John W. Stanford, PhD. Secretary CDMIE. May 22,1986

SHOULD I REMOVE MY CURRENT AMALGAMS?

The ADA position is in stark contrast to the published scientific literature both before and after 1984.

It has been reported that cutaneous (skin) allergy to metal occurs in approximately 5% of the general population.

Studies of those with amalgam fillings finds that between 2% - 35% test hypersensitive to metal. None of the experimental subjects without dental amalgam tested positive for allergy to metal.

The development of this adverse reaction may not be immediate but, research shows that the incidence of allergy gradually increases with time and onset may be delayed five or more years.
Djerassi, E., Berova, N. The possibilities of allergic reactions from silver amalgam restorations. Int Dent J. 19:48l-8, 1969

Robinson, H.M., Bereston, E.S. Contact dermatitis due to the metal of amalgam dental fillings. Arch Dermatol Syphilol. 59:116-8, 1949

White, R.R., Brandt, R.L. Development of metal hypersensitivity among dental students. J Amer Dent Assoc. 92:1204-7, 1976

Miller, E.G., Perry, W.L., Wagner, M.J. Prevalence of metal hypersensitivity in dental students. J Dent Res. 64:(Spec Issue Abstracts) Abstract 1472, page 338, March, 1985