The Hazardous Effects of Dental Amalgam Fillings in Human Body: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The Dental amalgam used in the dental fillings is basically an alloy of mercury (Hg). The amalgam is one of the most commonly used and versatile restorative material. Since more than 150 years this alloy of mercury, that is amalgam is used for it been economical, easy to use, durable, high strength and bacterio-static characteristics. Due to environmental pollution, detrimental health its use is decreasing in recent times. Also its not so appealing like the other materials used that resemble the tooth color. The tooth coloured restorative materials are recommended by both the doctor and the patient. Many researchers suggested that over the period of time the mercury from the filling might leach into the mouth. Thus in this study a detailed review of all the literature available online is done to understand the hazardous effects of dental amalgam fillings in the human body. The systematic literature search using Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases was done using PRISMA. The experiments conducted in Sheep and monkey suggested the penetration of amalgam into the jaw bone of the patient with dental restorations. Constant exposure of mercury at lower levels can also lead to multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Most commonly reported renal dysfunction due to the dental amalgams are Tubular and Glomerular damage of the kidneys.