At Formosa Dental Arts, our primary focus is our patients and their health. This is why we choose "metal-free" restorations whenever we can. For instance, according to FDA, 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. It has been known that mercury causes health problems. Additionally, as indicated in the fact sheet posted on January of 2016 by the World Health Organization, exposure to mercury – even small amounts – may cause serious health problems, and is a threat to the development of the child in utero and early in life. Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. It is considered as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concerns1.
Recent research articles have also raised concerns about the increase of mercury release in amalgam restorations after exposure to electromagnetic fields generated from devices such as MRI, cell phones, and even Wi-Fi 2,3. With technology being available almost everywhere nowadays, our environment is filled with sources of electromagnetic fields. This will only enhance the detrimental effects of mercury for those who have amalgam restorations placed in their mouths. Though more research may be necessary to provide long-term studies and its effects, our position is not to take risks that may potentially damage our future and our health.
With the information at hand, it is in our best interest to make decisions that most benefit our patients based on evidences readily available to us. This way, patients can get treatments in our office with a peace of mind because we have done our homework for them. Our goal is to provide the public the most up-to-date information in order for them to make the most educated and well-informed decisions. Whether it'd be fillings, crowns, or even implants, patients should know what options are available to them. More importantly, patients should know what exactly they are choosing and having placed in their body.
Should there be any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us for more information.
References
- WHO: Mercury and health. January 2016. [accessed 2016 Sept 5]. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs361/en/
- Mortazavi G. et al. Increased Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Fillings due to Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields as a Possible Mechanism for the High Rates of Autism in the Offspring: Introducing a Hypothesis. J Biomed Phys Eng. 2016 Mar 1;6(1):41-6.
- Paknahad M. et al. Effect of radiofrequency radiation from Wi-Fi devices on mercury release from amalgam restorations. J Environ Health Sci Eng. 2016; 14: 12.