An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  met on December 15 and recommended that the FDA examine all relevant evidence when it reviews the 2009 ruling  it made that concluded that mercury dental amalgams were safe.

The panel said that the FDA needs to look “not at just certain studies but all scientifically sound studies” when undertaking the review.  The panel also felt that while amalgam filling material is safe for most people there are existing studies that “there does appear to be a very sensitive subpopulation” according to panelist Susan Griffin, PhD.  Several people with such sensitivities testified during the advisory panel meeting including patients with dental amalgam fillings and dental office workers.

High levels of mercury exposure can cause memory problems, tremors, mood swings, headaches and lead to brain and kidney damage.  Some dentists still support the use of dental amalgam because it is a cheap, easily placed filling material for dental cavities.  Modern, tooth colored dental fillings not only look nicer than amalgam fillings but are also not subject to cracking when exposed to heat and cold.

The dental practice of Dr. Mark Levy is  mercury-free  office conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio.  If you are concerned about mercury exposure due to the breakdown of your old dental fillings please contact us at 614-476-6696  to discuss your options for replacing your mercury-based fillings.