The federal regulatory agency admitted on the website that mercury-containing dental fillings "may have neuro-toxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses."
This decision marks the sudden end of a lawsuit by advocacy groups, such as Moms Against Mercury, who are seeking to ban the use of mercury in amalgam fillings and children's vaccinations.
According to various media reports, about 52 percent of dentists have abandoned silver fillings. But it is expected that an outright ban on this material, which constitutes the foundation of modern dentistry as some consider it, is impossible.
Dental amalgam is the silver-colored material used to fill (restore) teeth that have cavities. It is made of two nearly equal parts: liquid mercury and a powder containing silver, tin, copper, zinc and other metals. Mercury concentration in dental amalgams is generally about 50 percent by weight, while the silver concentration ranges from 20-35 percent, the FDA said on its website.
When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth, they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during chewing. The FDA does not recommend people remove their amalgam fillings as the agency is engaged in a rulemaking that may lead to revised labeling. The agency is also reviewing evidence about safe use, particularly in sensitive subpopulations.
The agency added that pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.
