Released on: June 9, 2008, 6:00 pm

Press Release Author: The Wealthy Dentist

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Silver amalgam fillings have been used for many years, but
their mercury content leaves some health authorities concerned.

Press Release Body: The presence of mercury in silver dental fillings leaves some
dentists nervous. In a recent survey by dental marketing website The Wealthy
Dentist, most respondents felt mercury was not health threat. However, a significant
minority felt it to be either definitely or potentially dangerous.

Mercury has been used in dental amalgam for over a century. Made of a mixture of
silver, mercury and other metals, amalgam was for many years the material of choice
for dental fillings. Inexpensive, convenient, and relatively easy to work with,
silver fillings were the norm for dental restorations for decades.

Many dentists are happy to stand behind amalgam, pointing to its long and noble
history. \"150 years have not proved amalgam to be dangerous,\" declared an Arkansas
dentist. \"Amalgams have saved billions of teeth!\" pointed out a Washington dentist.
\"I sincerely believe some dentists are using mercury scare tactics to increase their
\'busy-ness\',\" sighed a Texas dentist.

Of course, mercury opponents insist that it\'s purely a matter of health. Pure
mercury is a known toxin and considered a hazardous material. Though some insist
it\'s non-toxic when chemically bound to the other metals in dental amalgam, others
point to evidence of mercury vapor released by amalgam fillings.

\"Mercury is a known toxin,\" said a Louisiana dentist. \"There are no safe levels. It
should be banned.\" \"If you\'re not supposed to touch it with your hands, why is it
safe in the mouth?\" asked a California dentist. \"The effects of mercury from
amalgams drives our health care system like no other factor,\" declared an Arkansas
dentist.

Many dental patients prefer composite restorations. Though they are more expensive,
these tooth-colored restorations are preferred in cosmetic dentistry. \"We do live in
the 21st century, and many other forms of filling materials are available. My
question is, why is amalgam still being used today?\" asked a New York dentist.

In today\'s world, however, dental fillings are fart from the only source of possible
mercury exposure. Levels of mercury in the world\'s oceans are now so high that
pregnant women are advised to avoid tuna. \"Don\'t eat seafood,\" advised a Georgia
dentist. \"I have a mercury free practice, but I do remove a lot them,\" said a
Louisiana dentist. \"I just got tested for mercury. My levels were twice the maximum!
I am decreasing my fish intake and plan to retake the test to see if it is from
occupational exposure.\"

\"This is one of dentistry\'s most long-running controversies,\" said Jim Du Molin,
dental management consultant and founder of dental continuing education website The
Wealthy Dentist. \"In its elemental form, mercury is poisonous. Mixed with other
metals to create amalgam, it\'s an amazing dental restorative material. I understand
why dentists have such strong opinions on both sides!\"

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Visit http://www.thewealthydentist.com for more surveys in the areas of dental
implants, cosmetic dentistry, edation dentistry, wisdom teeth, braces, and dentures.
Jim Du Molin offers a free weekly newsletter and dental practice management advice.

http://www.thewealthydentist.com/PR/069b-Mercury-Dental-Amalgam.htm

Web Site: http://www.thewealthydentist.com

Contact Details: Jim Du Molin
The Wealthy Dentist
PO Box 1220
Tiburon CA 94920
415-435-3375