Mercury vapor release during insertion and removal of dental amalgam.

Author: Powell LV, Johnson GH, Yashar M, Bales DJ.

Source: Oper Dent.

Year: 1994

Comment:

While suggesting that mercury vapor levels were within acceptable levels in this study, the researchers note, "There were no significant differences with regard to mercury vapor release during insertion and removal of dental amalgam when measured under simulated clinical conditions for the following dental amalgams: a dispersed-phase amalgam (Dispcrsalloy) ; a spherical amalgam (Valiant); and a dispersed-phase amalgam containing indium (lndisperse). There was a significant difference with regard to mercury vapor release during insertion and removal of restorations given the above conditions when the amalgam materials were compared to a composite resin material (Prisma APH)."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“During a clinical simulation of insertion and removal of dental amalgams, mercury vapor levels increased slightly, but never exceeded the TLV of 0.05 mg/m3. The addition of indium to dental alloy did not affect the amount of mercury vapor released under these conditions.”

Citation:

Powell LV, Johnson GH, Yashar M, Bales DJ. Mercury vapor release during insertion and removal of dental amalgam. Oper Dent. 1994; 19(2):70-4.