Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany have already banned or restricted the use of mercury fillings. French dentists are using them less and less. Many private dentists in [...]]]> An article in the Guardian today suggests that it does, and that it is at least partly responsible for Alzheimer’s disease, neurological and auto-immune disorders.

Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany have already banned or restricted the use of mercury fillings. French dentists are using them less and less. Many private dentists in the UK stopped using amalgam fillings years ago for aesthetic reasons, however the use of amalgam fillings in the NHS is widespread.

The opposing view that "a causal link between exposure to dental mercury and the onset of disease is difficult to establish", is probably why amalgam fillings are still widely used in the NHS.

The European Commission are due to publish a review on amalgam (mercury) dental fillings in March 2011. What if they insist on amalgam fillings being phased out? Will the UK follow?

Will the UK be forced to ban mercury fillings?

The amalgam (metal) fillings might have been in place for many years and some might be very large. The amalgam might be holding the structure of the tooth together and removing the amalgam might destabilise the tooth, so great care is needed when considering what to put in place [...]]]> When replacing amalgam fillings with white fillings what might you have to consider?

The amalgam (metal) fillings might have been in place for many years and some might be very large. The amalgam might be holding the structure of the tooth together and removing the amalgam might destabilise the tooth, so great care is needed when considering what to put in place of the amalgam.  It might not be as simple as just replacing the amalgam with a white filling. Sometimes an inlay or onlay is needed, sometimes a crown. It depends on the patient and the particular tooth.

To protect the patient during amalgam removal it is important to minimise the mercury vapour a patient is exposed to. During the preparation of the tooth an exhaust system should be used and the suction should be increased to minimise vapour uptake.  To prevent damage to the tooth lots of water should be in the immediate area to keep the tooth cool. A drill causes heat and it is important to keep the tooth as cool as possible to avoid damaging the internal structure of the tooth.