Significance to health of mercury used in dental practice: a review. Council on Dental Materials and Devices. Council on Dental Research.

Author: Rupp NW, Paffenbarger GC.

Source: J Am Dent Assoc.

Year: 1971

Comment:

While this review does not consider dental practices with amalgam hazardous, other researchers have identified controversial and contradictory statements in this article.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“The review evaluates the exposure of the patient to mercury and the long-term exposure of dental personnel, makes suggestions for minimizing any possible mercury hazards to the patient and dental personnel, and restates methods of disposing of mercury residue and waste amalgam to avoid any possible contamination of the environment through dental procedures. This review does not indicate any significant hazard to the patient. There is no contamination of the environment if proper office procedures are followed and if scrap amalgam is collected and salvaged.  Further, the review concludes that proper mercury hygiene minimizes any possible danger to dental personnel.”

Citation:

Rupp NW, Paffenbarger GC. Significance to health of mercury used in dental practice: a review. Council on Dental Materials and Devices. Council on Dental Research. J Am Dent Assoc. 1971; 82(6):1401-7. Review.