“Acute as well as chronic exposure to metals might lead to many different symptoms of disease, for which the name metal syndrome is proposed.”
“The highest levels of mercury in breath measured in this study (fig 1a) are comparable with threshold limit values established in some countries, and exceed the probable safe limits for continuous exposure of the general population, as suggested by some workers. We therefore conclude that the levels of elemental mercury in breath derived from silver-tin amalgam fillings represent a significant and undesirable contribution to mans ‘normal’ body burden of mercury. Further development and use of alternatives to amalgam restorations should be encouraged and the potential benefits of antidotes to toxic heavy metals, such as selenium and vitamin E dietary supplements should be clinically evaluated (Frost 1981, Kosta et al 1975, Magos and Webb 1980, Ganther 1980).”
One conventional amalgam and two amalgams with higher copper content were stored in contact with various dental casting alloys in phosphate-buffered 0.9% NaCl solution, pH 6, at 37 degrees C during 35 weeks. Every 7 weeks the solutions were changed, and the corrosion was measured by analyzing the solutions for the amount of Cu, Zn, Sn, Hg, Ag, Co, Cr, and Ni. In the first 7 weeks the amalgams immersed in contact with acrylic or Co-Cr alloys released small amounts of elements, whereas the release was larger when the amalgams were in contact with the gold alloys. During the rest of the experiment the release of elements tended towards the same level, independent of the casting alloy in contact. In general, the high copper amalgams released more corrosion products into the solutions than the conventional one. The release of corrosion products was strongly pH-dependent. Changing the solutions more often and saturating the solutions with oxygen decreased the amounts of Hg and Ag released.
“Amalgam has proved to be among the most versatile and durable of all restorative materials used in the treatment of dental disease. Hospital controls are essential to ensure that it is handled and controlled properly. Each practitioner and staff member should realize the potential hazards associated with mercury, and practice good mercury hygienic measures and control procedures.”
“After careful review of the literature, one can conclude the use of mercury in dental amalgam is safe, but with reservations. The major exposure of mercury to dentists, staff and patients in the dental environment is due to poor mercury hygiene. However, this problem is not widespread and is extremely easy to control.”
“Preliminary data suggest that dental amalgam and dental nickel alloys can adversely affect the quantity of T-lymphocytes. Human T-lymphocytes can recognize specific antigens, execute effector functions, and regulate the type and intensity of virtually all cellular and humoral immune responses. Normal immune function depends on a proper quantity, quality, and ratio of T-lymphocyte helper and suppressor subsets. Further research may determine the frequency and magnitude of T-lymphocyte reduction and alteration by dental materials.”
“This study was conducted in an effort to evaluate the mercury hygiene of the participating offices and offer suggestions for improvement where necessary. In addition, data were collected regarding various characteristics of each office such as the presence of carpeting, the use of premeasured or reusable amalgam capsules, and the use of enclosed amalgamators.”
A 69-year-old white female presented bilateral lesions of the oral mucosa possibly related to electrogalvanism. The lesions were histologically characterized as lichen planus and as mild epithelial dysplasia on the left and right sides, respectively. They disappeared after removing amalgam restorations opposing the lesions. Epicutaneous patch tests and lymphocyte-transformation tests showed that the patient suffered from a contact allergy to mercury compounds, indicating this as a mechanism by which electrogalvanism may induce lesions of the oral mucosa.
“ABSTRACT: Mercury levels in blood and in mouth air before and after chewing were measured in 47 persons with and 14 persons without dental amalgam restorations. Questionnaires relating to exogenous sources of mercury exposure were administered to both groups. Differences in the mouth air mercury levels before and after chewing were statistically significant in the group with amalgams, but not in the group without amalgams. Analysis of the data from the questionnaires indicated that little or no exogenous exposure to mercury occurred among the two groups. Blood mercury concentrations were positively correlated with the number and surface area of amalgam restorations and were significantly lower in the group without dental amalgams.”
Fifty-four patients referred to the Faculty of Odontology, University of Umeå, for investigation regarding “oral galvanism” were subjected to a general oral investigation. In addition the following parameters were studied: the highest calculated current between two metallic restorations in contact and the electrogustometrically determined threshold value for each person. No differences were found regarding these two parameters between the patients and a control group consisting of 15 persons. However, the general oral investigation had revealed that a relatively large number of patients had periodontal conditions which, together with mucous membrane affections and hypersensitivity reactions could explain some of the unpleasant sensations which bothered them. Furthermore, the results of a stomatognathic investigation which will be presented separately revealed that about three fourths of the patients needed treatment for their stomatognathic and/or temporomandibular joint conditions.