Health Hazard of Dental Amalgams

Abstract

Mercury is one of the main components in dental fillings. The aim of the article is to assess the risk of the use of metallic mercury on the human health. The authors describe the exposure of stomatologists and nurses to Hg and nonoccupational exposure of patients to Hg from dental amalgams. The Hg concentration in the atmosphere depends on the phase of the amalgam preparation and handling, but the occupational exposure is acceptable as a whole. Application of amalgam fillings manifested itself by an enormous growth of Hg content in saliva and blood. The correlations are discussed between the Hg content in biological materials and special aspects of the use of amalgam fillings, in particular Hg sensitization and possible alkylation of mercury in mouth. The current Hg exposures of the stomatological staff in the Czech Republic do not exceed the acceptable hazard. Recommendations for minimization of the Hg exposure in stomatological practice are given..