50
silver mercury fillings approximately 50% mercury
5 µg
average daily intake from amalgam restorations
Mercury has been used in filling material for over 150 years due to its low cost, ease of use, and ability to act as a “binder” of other metals in the fillings (silver, copper, tin, zinc).
- A 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) report warned of mercury and its harmful effects across the entire body, immune system, and respiratory system. Additional health effects can lead to severe physical impairment and developmental defects. Recent studies suggest that mercury may have no threshold below which adverse effects do not occur.”
- Mercury vapor is continuously released from mercury fillings and is inhaled and absorbed by the body. Potential responses to exposure include 250 specific symptoms, the risk factors are unique to each individual. Diagnosis is further complicated in the fact that signs and symptoms may take years to manifest.
- Mercury fillings expand and contract with temperature changes in the mouth (similar to mercury in a thermometer) and accelerating its breakdown in the mouth.
S.M.A.R.T. (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is the protocol we follow at Shore Dental to minimize mercury exposure to the patient, staff and environment during mercury filling removal. If removed improperly, there can be exponentially more exposure to the toxic substance.