Amalgam: Myths and Facts

Course Outline

After completing this course you’ll be able to:

 

  1. Discuss the statements of Dr. Tolla regarding the temperature changes on amalgam and resin composites. (Myth #1)
  2. Compare the use of resin composites and amalgam with the size of the tooth. (Myth #2)
  3. State the reasons in the 1994 study where 16 “clinically sound” amalgam restorations were removed are not reliable. (Myth #3)
  4. State the advantages of amalgam bonding. (Myth #4)
  5. Describe the studies of amalgam-to-dentin strengths. (Myth #5)
  6. List the benefits of a high-copper amalgam. (Myth #6)
  7. State how resin composites and amalgam is repaired. (Myth #6)
  8. Discuss the fact that amalgam is 100 years old and is still being used. (Myth #7)
  9. Discuss the 1992 lawsuit Tolhurst vs Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products, Inc. (Myth #8)
  10. State the findings of the American Dental Association and the A.D.A. Health Foundation regarding amalgam patents. (Myth #9)
  11. State the use of amalgam in the European Union. (Myth #10)
  12. Discuss the World Health Organization’s statements regarding mercury thresholds. (Myth #1)
  13. Discuss the statistics from the research of Berdouses et al. regarding amalgam fillings. (Myth #1)
  14. State the target organs for mercury in the body. (Myth #2)
  15. Discuss the study of 10 healthy people who had amalgam fillings replaced with gold inlays. (Myth #2)
  16. State the findings of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on dental fillings with mercury. (Myth #3)
  17. Define “amalgam illness.” (Myth #4)
  18. Compare the “placebo effect” in clinical practice and research. (Myth #4)
  19. Discuss the studies of Herrstrom and Hogstedt. (Myth #4)
  20. Describe the research of Lindberg when studying amalgam fillings and mental illness. (Myth #5)
  21. State the findings of controlled scientific studies from amalgam fillings. (Myth #6)
  22. Discuss the study of 1995 regarding mercury and multiple antibiotic-resistance. (Myth #7)
  23. Compare the results of research between male and female dentists and their assistants regarding birth defects. (Myth #8)
  24. List examples of poor mercury hygiene. (Myth #9)
  25. List several effects of composite resin restorations. (Myth #10)

Course Contents

The Clinical and Legal Mythology of Anti-Amalgam

Myth #1: Amalgams commonly cause fractured cusps.
Myth #2: The majority of clinically sound amalgam restorations have recurrent caries; the majority of resin composite restorations do not.
Myth #3: Resin composite restorations last as long as amalgam restorations.
Myth #4: Amalgams cannot be bonded to teeth.
Myth #5: Because of recent advances in materials and techniques, most studies of composites are outdated; most studies of amalgams are not.
Myth #6: Resin composites are superior to amalgam because composites can be repaired.
Myth #7: Amalgam is 100 years old; composite is much newer and therefore better.
Myth #8: The ADA refuses to admit that mercury-containing amalgam is unsafe for fear of lawsuits.
Myth #9: The American Dental Association holds the patent on amalgam and receives a royalty on each amalgam placed.
Myth #10: Amalgam has been banned in Germany and Sweden and therefore should be banned in the United States.
Conclusion

The Medical Mythology of Anti-Amalgam

Myth #1: Amalgam restorations leak large amounts of mercury.
Myth #2: Mercury from dental amalgam causes kidney damage.
Myth #3: Mercury from dental amalgam causes Alzheimer’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases of the central nervous system.
Myth #4: Mercury from dental amalgam fillings causes a variety of symptoms of “amalgam illness.”
Myth #5: Mercury from dental amalgam fillings causes mental disease.
Myth #6: Mercury from amalgam fillings damages the immune system.
Myth #7: Mercury from dental amalgams causes significant increases in antibiotic-resistance in humans.
Myth #8: Mercury from dental amalgam causes harmful reproductive effects to both patients, dentists, and dental assistants.
Myth #9: Mercury from dental amalgam can be dangerous to dentists; therefore, it is hazardous to patients.
Myth #10: There are no health concerns about the components of composite resins, glass ionomers, and other nonamalgam materials.
Conclusion