Dental Restoration Guide

We mentioned in the last post that dental amalgam is one of the best direct restorative material as of today. However, we also posted here, and here, the possible dangers presented by one of the main ingredients of the amalgam: mercury. Now we’re going to update you on new information regarding this subject.

Norway has taken a stand against dental amalgam. They have totally banned its use across the country as they reasoned that safer alternatives are available. This not only includes dental fillings but also measuring instruments. They consider the mercury as “…among the most dangerous environmental toxins. Satisfactory alternatives to mercury in products are available, and it is therefore fitting to introduce a ban.”

Will the world soon follow suit or will this be disproved? Watch this blog for more details soon.

Source

As mentioned in the previous post, we will first discuss materials used for direct restorations. An amalgam is a mixture of different metals; wherein the primary one used is mercury. As of present, amalgams are 40% mercury and 60% powder of the following combined metals (Silver/Copper/Zinc).

It is truly considered as one of the excellent and versatile restorative material around. Here are the pros of amalgam:

inexpensive;

can pack any irregular volume;

water moisture tolerant;

and lasts more than any direct restorative material;

It is for these reasons that an amalgam is considered as an effective and superior direct restorative material.

We will discuss the dental amalgam controversy in the next post.

Image Source: Theodoregrey

Yep, apparently the debate on the safety of dental amalgam is still ongoing. This time, it is The European Commission that has launched a consultation process which will run until February 22, 2008 that will focus on two scientific opinions regarding dental amalgam and its alternatives.

Presenting the two views:

Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) made a preliminary report attempting to answer the question, �Are dental amalgam and alternative dental restoration materials safe for patients and users?� The results of the study were released on November 29, 2007. The conclusion is that amalgam is an effective restorative material and is deemed quite safe to be considered as the material of choice for some restorations. Incidences of adverse effects of amalgam and its materials are low and readily managed. Amalgam does not pose a risk to health apart from allergic reactions.

The Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) also made a preliminary report released on November 29, 2007. This study however focuses more on the environmental risks and indirect health effects of mercury in dental amalgam. The committee concludes that certain environmental risks exist in the involvement of the use of amalgam. Most of these are related to indirect exposure of humans to methylmercury. Although said risks are lower than tolerable limits, and therefore making them a low risk for more serious health effects, the issue of safety is still a matter of debate. Existing information is too limited to assess the environmental risks and indirect health effects. After all, Methylmercury is the most toxic type of mercury. Further study is still needed on this as available information on toxic effects of alternatives is still very limited to hold a proper comparative assessment.

Source: Cybermed

Image Source: www.algreatpics.net

Dental Implants are more than uplifting; they can help you look great. Teeth that are lost to gum disease, cavities, or ordeal from accident can be permanently replaced by Dental Implants. The dentist can place an artificial root into the gum and then put a tooth on it. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Dental implants are among the most thriving procedures in dentistry. different studies have found the 5 year success rate of implants to be between 90-95%.Dental implants soon after tooth loss, can save bone teeth and the most important the look of your smile Dental Implants also help gums looking hale and hearty and young. For people with good health and overall good bone and gums Dental Implants are the attractive alternative to dentures and bridges. Although you have a number of restorative options for the dealing of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally successful and durable as Dental Implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures. The cost to place and restore a dental implant typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth, including the services of the Cosmetic Dentist, though the price of dental implants varies greatly between countries.

Will have to update this post soon.

According to Dentalblogs , the Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on the Mercury in Dentistry Bill which (if it passes) will require dentists to inform patients about the mercury content (50%) of amalgam fillings and that it could be hazardous to their health.

Some research indicates that amalgams with mercury (in excess, probably) can cause hair discoloration, hair loss, gum disease, migraines, memory loss, anxiety, mental lethargy, chronic fatigue, eczema, asthma, kidney disease, backaches, arthritis, and hormone problems. Not to mention Alzheimer�s disease, Parkinson�s disease, MS, ad other neurological disorders, DNA damage, and many others.

So why still use amalgam? It�s less expensive compared to aesthetic restorations. The ADA has already deemed amalgams as safe. But to be on the safe side, many dentists have voluntarily chosen to place only composite resin fillings because of their aesthetic appearance and safety issues.

Governments in Maine, New Hampshire, and California are also considering similar laws.