An analysis of the relationship between urinary mercury levels and the number of dental amalgam restoration surfaces in a representative group of the Canadian population.

Author: Nicolae A

Source: Report prepared in association with the program on Dental Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA.

Year: 2010

Comment:

This report notes, "On the whole, the urinary mercury levels correlate with the number of amalgam surfaces. However, the incremental amount attributable to one such surface varies largely between 0.01 μg Hg/L and 0.18 μg Hg/L. Since the true size of the influence exerted by other sources of mercury was not accounted for, the exact contribution of one amalgam surface can not be readily determined."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“This report looks at the literature pertaining to the most important yet controversial restorative material in the history of dentistry, dental amalgam. It reviews utilization patterns of the material in the largest publicly insured program in Canada, the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB), and evaluates specific mercury levels of the Canadian population.
As a result of the intense debate on possible adverse health effects of amalgam restorations, individuals who related their symptoms to the presence of dental amalgam have received increased attention. However, extensive research conducted worldwide has failed to document a link between the presence of amalgam fillings and the development of systemic diseases.”

Citation:

Nicolae A. An analysis of the relationship between urinary mercury levels and the number of dental amalgam restoration surfaces in a representative group of the Canadian population. Report prepared in association with the program on Dental Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA. 2010.