2007-01-05 14:56:55 · 4 answers · asked by gregory_s19 3 in Health ➔ Dental
Dental amalgams consist of a mercury-silver-tin alloy when mixed and set. Any of this mercury compound released is quicly excreted by the body because it is inorganic (non-carbon based).
Fish, however, are a significant source or organic mercury compounds like methyl mercury. These are the types that could potentially cause you trouble. In the amounts of fish people eat, it is too small to be a problem, even in big fish-eating countries like Japan or Iceland.
The only cases of mercury from fish causing dangerous levels is where factories have polluted fishing areas with mercury. Look up Minimata in Japan.
2007-01-05 23:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Matt W (Australia) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically, yes, because the amount of mercury vapor that is released once the filling is set is negligible. Mercury poisoning has some very definite signs and while the best exposure amount is generally NONE, over time, its proven to be fine in cases of dental work.
If it worries you, ask your dentist about alternate materials. There are some newer things that will sometimes do the job.
2007-01-05 15:02:31 · answer #2 · answered by gamerathon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because Mercury in the dental amalgams is BELOW the safe limits.
2007-01-05 15:05:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are not made OF mercury, but mercury is part of the chemical compound that is included in amalgam fillings.
Check out http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings.asp#amalgam for a discussion on amalgam fillings.
2007-01-05 14:59:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋