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amalgam
An alloy of an element or metal with mercury.
In dentistry, two types predominate:
1) silver-tin alloy, containing small amounts or copper, zinc & trace metals
2) an alloy containing 12-30% copper
Indications:
- used in dentistry to fill cavities 'silver filling'
Contraindications:
- mercury allergy or sensitivity
- pregnant women & omen who are planning to become pregnant
- nursing women
- children, especially those younger than six years of age;
- people with pre-existing neurological disease;
- people with chronic renal failure [5]
Adverse effects:
- inhaled mercury vapor is toxic
Notes:
Caution: use with sufficient ventilation
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.
- FDA NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release: July 28, 2009
FDA Issues Final Regulation on Dental Amalgam
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173992.htm
- FDA: US Food and Drug Administration
Appendix I : Summary of Changes to the Classification of
Dental Amalgam and Mercury
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171120.htm
- Reuters
Mercury teeth fillings may harm some: FDA
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0439217520080605
- US FDA Admits Risks of Mercury Dental Fillings, Settles Lawsuit
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl
- ADA Comments on FDA's Settlement of Dental Amalgam Lawsuit
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl
- FDA Safety Communication. Sept 24, 2020
Recommendations About the Use of Dental Amalgam in Certain High-Risk
Populations: FDA Safety Communication.
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/recommendations-about-use-dental-amalgam-certain-high-risk-populations-fda-safety-communication