Implementation of Revolutionary Legislation for Informed Consent for Dental Patients Receiving Amalgam Restorations

Abstract

Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental toxins. Realizing the environmental dangers of mercury, the Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, has therefore prohibited the use of mercury in products in Norway. This ban will include dental filling materials (amalgam) and measuring instruments, as well as other products. This ban is valid from January 1, 2008. Sweden announced a similar ban, and dentists in Denmark will no longer be able to use mercury in fillings after April 1, 2008. It is indeed unfortunate that the United States has not taken a leadership role in enacting Informed Consent Legislations for patients receiving dental amalgam restorations. Informed Consent Legislations have been enacted by Maine, California, Connecticut, and Vermont.

Reducing mercury release from dental amalgam fillings and improving patient acceptability

“…While some countries have an outright ban, others have advised at least limiting the amount of mercury to these groups by reducing the use of amalgam restorations, despite a lack of definitive scientific data (7)(8)(9)(10). Another common complaint is that over time, the silver amalgam filling can tarnish and turn black.…”

Legislation and Informed Consent Brochures for Dental Patients Receiving Amalgam Restorations

“…This ban has been valid since January 1, 2008. Sweden announced a similar ban and dentists in Denmark are no longer able to use mercury in fillings after April 1, 2008 (Edlich et al 2008).…”

“…"These bans clearly indicate that amalgam is no longer needed. There are viable non-mercury filling substitutes that are used every day in the U.S." said Michael Bender director of the Mercury Policy project (Edlich et al 2008). Since the health insurance stopped paying for amalgam restorations in Sweden in 1999, the use of mercury amalgam restorations has decreased markedly and is now estimated to be only 2% to 5% of all fillings.…”