Health Implications of Dental Amalgam

摘要: Dental amalgam is one of the most widely used, but also controversial dental restorative materials. Since its introduction during first half 19 th century, concerns have been raised about health hazards related to toxicity a major component amalgam, mercury. This has particularly contentious issue in Sweden, where use was discontinued 2009, on environmental grounds. Two aspects particular concern are release mercury vapour from fillings patients and occupational exposure clinical personnel handling amalgam. The aims this thesis were twofold: follow progress with problems which they attribute secondly, investigate whether offspring female at increased risk adverse effects potential utero. In Study I we examined symptoms, perceived changes over time healthrelated quality life (HRQoL) among applicants for subsidized replacement fillings. We used questionnaire collect data. results showed that had wide range symptoms their HRQoL much poorer than general population Sweden. II documented social security benefits by data retrieved Swedish registers years 1994 2006. cohort filling significantly higher number days sick leave disability pension population. These differences follow-up. cohort, highest sick-leave recorded year applied While decreased following application, peaked end III compared cognitive function sons dentists nurses physicians assistant nurses. aim determine harmed mothers’ while test scores undergone all young men Sweden when conscripted military service. Data national registers. Sons workers similar to, or comparison cohorts. IV investigated early mortality personnel. Using registers, neonatal, infant childhood rates non-dental care those Analysis 1960’s disclosed statistically neonatal subsequent two decades, difference no longer reached statistical significance trend demonstrated consistent decrease three decades (1960’s, 1970’s 1980’s). conclusions may be drawn studies: A) who poor fillings, does not seem lead marked improvement life; well below average. Nor facilitate return workforce participation: replacement, these remain largely reliant sickleave benefits. decreasing recent discontinuation 2009 should fewer people claiming amalgam-related ill-health, failure current measures improve only unsatisfactory individual patients, unacceptable society. Further research warranted find ways improving status patients. B) There evidence utero an effect professionals handled pregnancy. For decade mortality, professionals. C) 1980’s finally 2009. Thus apply Nevertheless, findings implications reliably supported provide important frame reference countries high caries activity, remains high.