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“Change” in thinking over mecury fillings

July 29, 2008 by Ian Kerr

The press have recently picked up on a change in attitude towards mercury fillings in the USA and, as ever, it has been poorly reported. The “change” that has taken place in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is now carrying out an “urgent” review and MAY consider banning amalgam fillings in the future. The concern relates to the possible neurotoxic effects on the nervous system of developing children and foetuses and is part of a 2 year review of current best knowledge. The findings were due in July 2008 so there may be some new evidence requiring interpretation. The decision is whether dental amalgam should be reclassified from a class 1medical device (which is subject to general controls only) or to a Class 2 device, which means it poses something of a risk and for which general controls are not enough to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness and, as such, must be subject to certain “special controls”. Clearly this is a long way short of an out right ban, but when did the British press let the facts get in the way of a good story?

The stance of the American Dental Association and British Dental Association remains the same that “amalgam fillings are a safe, durable and affordable cavity choice for dental patients that do not pose a health risk. (Sadly the BDA information is not for general viewing so I cannot share it with you – very disappointing).

At StoneRock our approach is, as ever, one of patient choice. For many years I have seen the demand for alternative filling choice rise almost exponentially and so provide very few amalgam fillings (less than one a month). My current understanding is that there is no proven health risk and in Britain alone 8 million amalgam fillings are placed annually with no evidence linking them to any specific disease or disorder. That said, I believe that decisions in these matters are far more emotional than scientific and if patients don’t feel comfortable having them then I will happily provide an alternative. (The same is true of every dentist within StoneRock.)

It is shame that such confusion exists over, what must be one of the most tested substances ever to be used in the human body but if any patient of StoneRock has concerns over their amalgam fillings please do not hesitate to contact the practice on 01580 752202 or info@stonerock.co.uk and we will be happy to help.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Behind the Headlines

About Ian Kerr

Dr Ian Kerr BDS qualified in 1989 from Newcastle University Dental School and has worked ever since in both private practice and hospital settings. Following a short stint in a busy general practice in the North East Dr Kerr went to live and work in Trinidad, where he learnt a wide range of surgical skills and developed an interest in the treatment of tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). On returning to the UK in 1994 Dr Kerr worked in a prestigious private practice in Bromley in Kent. During his time there he completed extensive post graduate training in advanced restorative techniques and further advanced his interest in TMD.

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About StoneRock Dental Care

StoneRock Dental Care is a stunning dental practice in Hawkhurst, Nr Cranbrook on the Kent and East Sussex border. We provide every level of care, from routine family dental visits to complete cosmetic dental makeovers, including dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, bridges and other cosmetic dental and facial aesthetic techniques.

We know how hard it can be to choose a dentist and we know how tough it can be to decide what treatment is right for you, therefore we put your comfort and your well being at the heart of every treatment that we provide.

You can contact us on 01580 752202 or info@stonerock.co.uk

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