"Are silver fillings safe?" The answer is yes or no, depending on which research and evidence is accepted as valid. This controversy has existed ever since amalgam fillings (which contain mercury, silver, tin, and zinc) were introduced in the 1820's. The issue is not if mercury is a toxin, but if the amount of mercury in amalgam fillings is enough to be toxic and contribute to illness in humans. The American Dental Association and the majority of dentists believe that the amount of mercury that leaches out from amalgams over a person's lifetime does not pose a health risk, except in rare instances. A minority of researchers and dentists believe that amalgams are an unrecognized serious health risk to all people! The following information is presented solely to summarize both sides of the issue, so that the issue can be discussed intelligently and objectively. There are two view points regarding silver mercury amalgam fillings. One view that says mercury amalgam silver fillings are SAFE. The other view saying that mercury amalgam silver fillings are UNSAFE.
In March, 1991, the American Dental Association released the following statement regarding dental amalgam:
Amalgam restorations are safe and pose no acute or chronic risks to the American people. Recent studies purporting to link pathologic conditions with placement of amalgam are flawed in methodology and conclusion, and do not warrant concern about amalgam safety. The ADA believes that current restoration practices may be continued safely. The ADA urges further research on amalgam safety by the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR), other agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, and industry and academia. The ADA pledges to assist the NIDR in obtaining sufficient appropriations to fund additional research.
The Food and Drug Administration, National Institute of Dental Research, United States Public Health Service, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Consumers Union (publisher of Consumers Report), are in agreement with the ADA. Amalgam is the least costly, quickest, and most practical way to restore teeth. Hundreds of thousands of amalgams are placed daily, and if there were a significant problem, it would be of epidemic proportion. When mercury is mixed with the other components that make up the amalgam filling, stable compounds are formed, and only trace amounts of metallic mercury remain. There is no convincing evidence that the small amount of mercury vapor from amalgams has any effect on humans. More significant sources of mercury exposure are food, water, and air. Everyone is exposed to mercury from these sources. Studies done on people with amalgam fillings showed no correlation between the fillings and complaints such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, depression, or joint pain. Another study found no elevated mercury in the blood and urine samples of patients over a 1 year period. The group most likely to suffer from mercury toxicity would be dentists and their assistants, who are regularly exposed to mercury vapor, yet data suggests that dentists are in as good or better health than the general population. Dr. Flanders, of the Illinois Department of Public Health, reported on 15 studies that all basically state that the scientific evidence demonstrates that the effects can be attributed to amalgam restorations. Testimonials by patients of being cured of disease upon removal of amalgam fillings were not balanced with accounts of patients who did not get better. If the mercury released from amalgam fillings builds up in the body tissues and reaches toxic levels over time, then overnight cures should not be possible. The unjustified removal of amalgams is an unnecessary risk and expense. Sound tooth structure is frequently removed, increasing the potential for other complications. Do not let sensational television documentaries or fear be the reason for having amalgams removed. Keep the issue in perspective. For more information call the American Dental Association (312) 440-2500 or the Academy of General Dentistry at (312) 440-4300.
Mercury toxicity experts all over the world not only believe that amalgam should not be used, but also if existing amalgams are to be removed for toxicity reasons, it must be done using specific protocols to enable the body to successfully eliminate any stored mercury in the tissues. Just removing amalgams without regard for other tissues absorption is not recommended! Furthermore, the controversy includes other kinds of materials used in crowns, bridges, fillings, full and partial dentures, root canal treatment, extraction techniques, and old extraction sites (called cavitations). A protocol may involve body chemistry analysis and biocompatibility testing from blood, hair, and urine samples; vitamin and mineral supplements; intravenous chelation therapy (DMSA & DMPS); and nutritional and lifestyle counseling. Other protocols utilize electrodermal screening, homeopathy, or other alternative therapies. Most of these protocols are considered experimental or unconventional. It should now be apparent that dental treatment is only one part of the overall detoxification treatment. The approximately 440 symptoms that have responded to toxic dental material removal can be grouped into 6 general categories:
Many of these conditions are actually misdiagnosed, and as a result, conventional treatment is not helpful or appropriate. Keep in mind that diseases are complex and multiple factors are most often involved. Therefore, consultation with dentists, physicians, and other health care professionals who are knowledgeable in toxicology, immunology and environmental illness is strongly recommended. Much research is being done worldwide, and it is only a matter of time before this information is accepted as valid. A study conducted by the University of Georgia, Tufts University School of Medicine, and the Calgary Medical School, and published in the April 1993 Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, suggests that amalgam fillings can create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. On February 18, 1994, Sweden announced a phased-in ban on the use of amalgam. Germany has banned a certain type of amalgam (gamma 2 phase) and issued advisories against the used of amalgam in pregnant women and people with Kidney problems. Denmark has banned amalgams as of 1999. Austria will phase out amalgam totally by 2000.
http://www.sukel.com/fillings.htm