International Scene

South Africa Admits Risk Of Tooth Fillings

The components in dental restorative materials such as amalgam -- also known as silver fillings -- may, in rare instances, result in side-effects or allergic reactions, South African Dental Association (SADA) said on Tuesday. SADA was responding to recent reports focusing on the alleged toxicity of dental amalgam.

The California parents of an autistic six-year-old recently sued the American Dental Association alleging mercury in the mother's nine fillings caused her son's autism.

SADA's executive director Neil Campbell said a small amount of mercury was released from amalgam restorations, especially during placement and removal.

"The risk of adverse side-effects is very low for all types of dental restorative materials, including amalgam and all resin-based materials.

"Patients experiencing different physical symptoms may request the removal of amalgam restorations because of their fear of possible adverse effects of mercury," he said.

There was nothing, however, in scientific literature indicating that general physical symptoms may be relieved by replacement of the dental restorations, he said.

Side effects were usually limited to the area where the amalgam was applied.

"Although there is no evidence that the use of amalgam is hazardous to patients, a health risk of mercury exposure to dentists and other oral health personnel exists if the material is not properly handled."

Campbell said dental amalgam was frequently used material for restoring decayed teeth.

"Its main advantages include wide indications for use, ease of handling and excellent physical properties.

"It has been used in dentistry with good results for more than a century. The quality of dental amalgam has been vastly improved during the last 20 years."

SADA said its views were corroborated by that of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Dental Federation (FDI).