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Journal of Dental Research Jul 2020
Topics: Composite Resins; Dental Amalgam; Dental Research; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Mercury; Policy
PubMed: 32315245
DOI: 10.1177/0022034520915878 -
Integrated Environmental Assessment and... Sep 2021Dental amalgam from dental clinics in Kosova is an uncontrolled source of mercury. The environmental legislative framework related to its use does not fully provide...
Dental amalgam from dental clinics in Kosova is an uncontrolled source of mercury. The environmental legislative framework related to its use does not fully provide measures that reduce amalgam use and the release of its waste into the environment. This paper highlights issues related to environmental policy covering mercury amalgam waste management. Existing national regulations on hazardous waste management in Kosova consider the waste from dental health care as hazardous. Currently, however, no regulations restrict the use of dental amalgam or specifically oblige the generators of amalgam to treat or dispose of waste properly, thus leading to inconsistent legislation. New regulations, revised hazardous waste management standards, and new infrastructure for waste treatment and disposal, in compliance with EU regulations, should be developed to create a holistic approach that prevents the adverse effects of amalgam waste. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1037-1044. © 2021 SETAC.
Topics: Dental Amalgam; Environmental Policy; Hazardous Waste; Humans; Medical Waste Disposal; Mercury; Waste Management
PubMed: 33710765
DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4408 -
Environmental Research Jul 2018Based on toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological knowledge, the present paper reviews the status regarding possible deleterious health effects from occupational... (Review)
Review
Based on toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological knowledge, the present paper reviews the status regarding possible deleterious health effects from occupational exposure to metallic mercury (Hg) in dental practice. Symptoms from the central nervous system are among the health problems that most often are attributed to Hg exposure in dentists and dental nurses working with amalgam. Uncharacteristic symptoms of chronic low-level Hg vapor exposure including weakness, fatigue, and anorexia have been observed in numerous studies of dental personnel. It is crucial to protect both human health and the environment against negative effects of Hg. In line with this, the use of dental amalgam in industrial countries is about to be phased out. In Norway and Sweden, the use of the filling material is banned.
Topics: Dental Amalgam; Dentists; Humans; Mercury; Norway; Occupational Exposure; Sweden
PubMed: 29482185
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.02.019 -
JDR Clinical and Translational Research Jul 2019
Topics: Dental Amalgam; Dental Restoration, Permanent
PubMed: 31199191
DOI: 10.1177/2380084419853288 -
Environmental Science & Technology Nov 2020The Minamata Convention on Mercury (ref. 1) is a global treaty to protect human and environmental health from adverse effects of the toxic element mercury and its...
The Minamata Convention on Mercury (ref. 1) is a global treaty to protect human and environmental health from adverse effects of the toxic element mercury and its compounds. During the Third Conference of Parties (COP-3) in November 2019, elimination of the use of dental amalgam in oral health care was discussed. Dental amalgam is one of the most commonly used restorative materials in oral health care due to its strength and longevity (ref. 2). However, the use of mercury in an amalgam adds to global environmental mercury pollution and can contribute to adverse health effects on humans and other organisms. The outcomes of the COP-3 meeting included a call for information on the availability at a national scale, the economic and technical feasibility of alternatives, and the associated risks or benefits. In this feature, we discuss the risks and benefits of dental amalgam, the global tracking of availability and procurement, and the implications and realities for global phase out. We suggest a better accounting of mercury use in dental amalgam is needed with sales being made only to registered practitioners via a Know Your Customer approach.
Topics: Dental Amalgam; Environmental Pollution; Humans; International Cooperation; Mercury
PubMed: 33141561
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01248 -
Journal of Environmental Science and... Jan 2017Mercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation,... (Review)
Review
Mercury (Hg) is toxic and hazardous metal that causes natural disasters in the earth's crust. Exposure to Hg occurs via various routes; like oral (fish), inhalation, dental amalgams, and skin from cosmetics. In this review, we have discussed the sources of Hg and its potential for causing toxicity in humans. In addition, we also review its bio-chemical cycling in the environment; its systemic, immunotoxic, genotoxic/carcinogenic, and teratogenic health effects; and the dietary influences; as well as the important considerations in risk assessment and management of Hg poisoning have been discussed in detail. Many harmful outcomes have been reported, which will provide more awareness.
Topics: Animals; Cosmetics; Dental Amalgam; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Mercury; Mercury Poisoning; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 28055311
DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2016.1278299 -
British Dental Journal Mar 2017Resin-based composite (RBC) materials are increasingly being used for the restoration of posterior teeth. The increasing demand for aesthetic, tooth-coloured... (Review)
Review
Resin-based composite (RBC) materials are increasingly being used for the restoration of posterior teeth. The increasing demand for aesthetic, tooth-coloured restorations coupled with the patient's concerns regarding the use of mercury containing restorations, has driven a surge in the use of RBC materials. With the Minamata Convention in 2013 calling for the phase-out of dental amalgam and dental schools increasingly teaching techniques for RBC restorations in posterior teeth, it is likely that the dental profession's reliance upon RBC for the restoration of posterior teeth will only increase. In order to simplify and speed-up the placement of large posterior RBCs, manufacturers have produced a range of materials which can be placed in single or deeper increments, known as bulk-fill RBCs. Over a relatively short period of time many bulk-fill RBCs have been marketed quoting increment depths between 4-10 mm. The placement of these larger increments of RBC may reduce the time needed when placing posterior restorations and thereby reduce technique sensitivity. This article aims to review the properties and handling characteristics of the bulk-fill RBC materials currently available, while advising the optimal techniques of placement.
Topics: Composite Resins; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Humans
PubMed: 28281590
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.214 -
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science Oct 2023The association between dental amalgam fillings and urine mercury concentrations was investigated in this study to assess the health risks associated with dental...
BACKGROUND
The association between dental amalgam fillings and urine mercury concentrations was investigated in this study to assess the health risks associated with dental amalgams.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 99 women in their 20s who visited the dental clinic in Daegu, Korea. The 99 participants were composed of 68 subjects who had dental amalgam fillings (exposure group) and 31 subjects who did not have dental amalgam fillings (nonexposure group). Oral examinations were conducted by a single dental hygienist, sociodemographic features were investigated as confounding variables, and urine mercury concentrations were measured using an automatic mercury analyzer.
RESULTS
The mean±standard deviation of the urine mercury concentrations of the exposure and nonexposure groups were 1.50±1.78 μg/g creatinine and 0.53±0.63 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The exposure group showed significantly higher levels than the nonexposure group (p<0.01). The urine mercury concentration significantly increased with an increase in the number of teeth filled with amalgam, cavity surfaces involved, and number of defective amalgam fillings, and according to the latest exposure time (p<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis of amalgam-related factors and urine mercury concentrations after correction for confounding factors, the urine mercury concentration in the group with six or more amalgam-filled teeth, 11 or more cavity surfaces, and two or more defective amalgams was significantly higher than that in the nonexposure group (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
According to this study, exposure to dental amalgams was confirmed to significantly affect urine mercury concentrations.
PubMed: 36941777
DOI: 10.12701/jyms.2022.00955 -
European Journal of Dental Education :... May 2020To ascertain dental educators' attitudes towards the teaching of dental amalgam at dental schools in Australia and identify preferred curricular approaches in a...
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain dental educators' attitudes towards the teaching of dental amalgam at dental schools in Australia and identify preferred curricular approaches in a potentially "amalgamless" profession.
METHODS
A mixed methods analysis was employed based on an open-ended response survey followed by a closed-ended questionnaire. Identification of key issues from the survey helped frame the questionnaire. Participants included those with expertise in operative and restorative dentistry, with direct involvement in curriculum development or delivery, at Australian dental schools.
RESULTS
Participants numbered fifteen and represented seven of the nine dental schools in Australia. Key themes identified and explored included the following: (in)consistency of approach to teaching restorative dentistry; a perceived disconnect between undergraduate study and the "real world"; a need for a focus on teaching of alternatives to dental amalgam (80 per cent (strongly) agreeing); the contradictory nature of the evidence base and literature that is not readily understood; the need for more post-graduate education relating to adhesive restorative materials (86 per cent (strongly) agreeing); the need for dental amalgam to continue to be available; formal understandings (guidelines) as to the use of dental amalgam; dental schools in Australia being heard on these issues; and the relevance of this issue (100 per cent (strongly) agreeing the issue is topical and important).
CONCLUSION
There is a broad consensus of dental educators at Australian dental schools as how best to approach the teaching of amalgam if a phase-down is to occur and the issues any such approach may face.
Topics: Attitude; Australia; Composite Resins; Curriculum; Dental Amalgam; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Education, Dental; Surveys and Questionnaires; Teaching
PubMed: 31925893
DOI: 10.1111/eje.12496 -
The British Journal of Dermatology May 2024Concerns regarding contact allergies and intolerance reactions to dental materials are widespread among patients. Development of novel dental materials and less frequent...
BACKGROUND
Concerns regarding contact allergies and intolerance reactions to dental materials are widespread among patients. Development of novel dental materials and less frequent amalgam use may alter sensitization profiles in patients with possible contact allergy.
OBJECTIVES
To analyse current sensitization patterns to dental materials in patients with suspected contact allergy.
METHODS
This retrospective, multicentre analysis from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) selected participants from 169 834 people tested in 2005-2019 and registered with (i) an affected area of 'mouth' (and 'lips'/'perioral'), (ii) with the dental material in question belonging to one of three groups (dental filling materials, oral implants or dentures or equivalents) and (iii) with patch-testing done in parallel with the German baseline series, (dental) metal series and dental technician series.
RESULTS
A total of 2730 of 169 834 tested patients met the inclusion criteria. The patients were predominantly women (81.2%) aged ≥ 40 years (92.8%). The sensitization rates with confirmed allergic contact stomatitis in women (n = 444) were highest for metals (nickel 28.6%, palladium 21.4%, amalgam 10.9%), (meth)acrylates [2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) 4.8%] and the substances propolis (6.8%) and 'balsam of Peru' (11.4%). The most relevant acrylates were HEMA, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and pentaerythritol triacrylate. Few men were diagnosed with allergic contact stomatitis (n = 68); sensitization rates in men were highest for propolis (14.9%) and amalgam (13.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
Allergic contact stomatitis to dental materials is rare. Patch testing should not only focus on metals such as nickel, palladium, amalgam and gold, but also (meth)acrylates and the natural substances propolis and 'balsam of Peru'.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Adult; Middle Aged; Dental Materials; Patch Tests; Dental Amalgam; Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child; Methacrylates; Balsams; Dental Implants; Stomatitis; Propolis; Dentures; Germany; Allergens; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38123140
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad525