|
Mercury - Our thoughts about "silver"
fillings
|
This is a potentially controversial
topic – the Environmental Protection
Agency vs. the American Dental
Society |
No mercury has ever been used in this
office!
We now know that Mercury is one of the most
toxic substances known to man and is a
cumulative poison, which may result in
delayed symptoms that may not be apparent
for many years. Some dental practices still
use the mercury amalgam restorations because
they are the cheapest to do. Also, insurance
companies use the costs of amalgam fillings
to determine their level of coverage for
this type restoration.
|
The warning label placed on packages
that contain amalgam fillings |
However, 15 years ago the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) ordered dentists not
to dispose of leftover silver mercury in the
general trash because they had determined
that it was toxic and harmful to the
landfills. Dentists are required to place
leftover scrap in a special fluid-filled
container for safe removal by a bio-hazard
company, yet the ADA still approves the use
of silver mercury fillings.
Let’s run by that one more time. One
government agency says you can’t throw it
away in the trash, while another says it’s
ok to put it in your mouth!
 Dental
technology has discovered new materials,
such as glass ionomers, quartz resins and
better porcelains, which are far more
appropriate for use in patients. These
materials are not only more attractive and
natural looking, but also could be
cost-saving when considering possible
adverse health effects.
Read more about
Dental Technology
Contact Us
|
