On September 24th, 2020, the FDA published a press release issuing updated recommendations regarding the potential risks of mercury-containing dental amalgam fillings to high-risk groups. The FDA is issuing these updates as a response to certain risks surrounding the dental fillings that may predominantly impact certain high-risk groups.
Dental Amalgam is a Substance Used to Repair Tooth Surfaces
Many dental patients who require dental surgery to repair a broken or decayed tooth receive dental amalgam that contains mercury in addition to silver, tin and copper. While the amalgam releases minute amounts of mercury over time, it is believed that low-levels of mercury will not cause harm to most individuals. However, there are some high-risk individuals who may be disproportionately affected by exposure to levels of mercury in the body, as exposure may lead to negative health effects in the long-term.
High-Risk Individuals Should Avoid Mercury-Containing Dental Amalgam
The FDA has outlined a list of at-risk groups who are recommended to refrain from exposure to mercury-containing dental amalgam when undergoing dental surgery or receiving a filling. High-risk groups include, but are not limited to,
- Pregnant women and women who are planning on becoming pregnant,
- Nursing women,
- Children, especially those younger than six years of age,
- People with pre-existing neurological disease,
- People with impaired kidney function, and
- People with an allergy or sensitivity to mercury or other components of dental amalgam.
Individuals that fall into these categories should exercise caution when receiving dental fillings containing mercury. The FDA recommends that individuals at risk should instead consider receiving alternatives to dental amalgam such as composite resins and glass ionomer cement fillings. The FDA states that it is not necessary for individuals with existing amalgam fillings to remove them if they are in good condition.
To read the full FDA press release, “FDA Issues Recommendations for Certain High-Risk Groups Regarding Mercury-Containing Dental Amalgam,” click here.
Contact Peter Angelos Law If You or a Loved One Were Harmed from Mercury-Containing Dental Fillings
It is important for at-risk patients to regard the FDA’s recent updates establishing the potential health effects linked to receiving mercury-containing dental amalgams. Ensure that you or a loved one who may fall under these categories request alternatives to dental amalgams when receiving dental treatment. If you or a loved one received dental amalgams while pregnant, nursing, experienced impaired kidney function or another condition that is included in the high-risk group, and are now suffering health consequences as a result, consult the legal team of product liability attorneys at Peter Angelos Law for a free consultation. Our Baltimore-area personal injury firm is known for our tradition of service and history of success. Call 410.649.2000 or visit https://angeloslaw.com/contact/ today.