Amalgam in Dental Fillings

“Oral Mines Uncovered”

Adapted from an article regarding dental mercury in “Common Ground Magazine” – Winter 1995-96

BY DR. GARY FORTINSKY, D.D.S.

The use of amalgams in dental fillings is a controversy awaiting resolution. It is also a source of confusion to dental patients — even the dentist - primarily due to conflicting data, which makes a clear understanding of amalgam use difficult to interpret. When the dentist doesn't have a definitive answer to a patient's question, then the patient feels the dentist is being either evasive or uninformed or both. As a result, misconceptions are created regarding this issue.

The result of scientific research into the use of dental amalgams involves the art of interpretation. Every piece of information is understood differently by people as a result of their knowledge, research, even personal experiences. Although a degree is not a pre-requisite for holding an opinion, it is necessary to be well-versed and well-informed to derive informative conclusions. Clinical experience is also an invaluable tool, because it allows the results of theory to be seen in practice. With this in mind, it is crucial to point out that every dentist has a personal opinion regarding any issue in dentistry.

My intention is not to speak for all dentists, but to relay my opinion and, where possible, to provide understanding and the scientific rationale.

The Amalgam Removal Controversy

The amalgam controversy is comprised of two central aspects. The first issue concerns the basic constituents comprising silver/amalgam dental fillings, which are 50% mercury, 27% silver, 10% tin, 12% copper, and 1-2% zinc—-percentages may vary between manufacturers. The second issue is the corrosion of the amalgams and the sub- sequent generation of electricity in the mouth.

The general public is most familiar with the first issue of the controversy: Is mercury toxic? The answer is a resounding and definite yes. It is even more toxic than lead, cadmium, or arsenic. There are no safe levels of mercury. In fact, no government agency has established a safe level of mercury to which people can be exposed. Even the pharmaceutical establishment has removed mercury from a number of preparations.