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French dentists are starting to choose tooth-colored ceramic restorations as opposed to mercury fillings.
The dentists in France are making the switch partially because the patients prefer the tooth-colored ceramic restorations because they are not as noticeable. The dentists also are trying to limit the usage of mercury because of the recent mercury debate, though mercury is not banned in France.
Mercury, however, is banned in some European countries, including Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The usage of mercury throughout Europe is going down in countries where it is legal.
The European Commission will put together a review of mercury fillings, which will be released next month. The company—Bio Intelligence Service—that reviewed mercury believes it should no longer be used.
Despite these beliefs of mercury in Europe, American dentists disagree. According to Dentistry Today’s poll, albeit a small sample size of dentists, more than half believe dental amalgam does not pose any risks for patients.
In 2005, a report that was published by the Healthcare Products Safety Agency declared mercury was safe.
Still, in France, the French Dental Association is urging patients to not do anything drastic with their fillings. If a filling is removed too soon, it would not be beneficial to the patient.
Based on the varying opinions of dentists, it appears more research is necessary before any definitive conclusions or decisions regarding mercury are made.
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