ARE SILVER AMALGAM FILLINGS POISONOUS?
It is true that silver amalgam fillings contain mercury. In general, the lower quality alloys are cheaper and release mercury more easily with wear and tear. There is an increasing trend, precipitated usually by patient demand, to replace existing silver amalgam fillings with gold, porcelain or resin. The Department of Health and The British Dental Association have maintained that there is no threat to health from mercury in fillings. HOWEVER: • The Department of Health has recommended that silver amalgam is not used for treatment with children and pregnant women; • Some allergy specialists have reported a variety of symptoms that are blamed on mercury leaking from dental amalgams; • On 29th April, 1998, The Department of Health issued a paper stating that although the use of mercury amalgam was safe, it is undesirable to remove or replace silver amalgams in pregnant mothers. OUR PRACTICE POLICY IN REFERENCE TO SILVER AMALGAM FILLINGS IS: • Wherever possible, fillings for children will
