Roadmap to mercury‑free dentistry era: Are we prepared?

Abstract

From the perspectives of longevity, mechanical performance, and economics, amalgam has long been
considered the material of choice, especially for certain types of restorations in posterior teeth, including
replacement therapy for existing amalgam fillings. In spite of numerous advantages over other filling
materials, its use has been decreasing in recent years and the alternative tooth‑colored filling materials
are increasingly used. There is a trend towards minimal interventional, adhesive, techniques in dentistry,
which are based on adhesion to tooth structure by chemical interaction and/or micromechanical
retention. At the same time, the quality and durability of alternative materials have improved. Mercury
is the metallic element of concern used in dental amalgam. Mercury is a well‑documented toxicant,
with reasonably well‑defined characteristics for the major forms of exposure, involving elemental
mercury as well as organic and inorganic mercury compounds. Looking into the kind of practice and
its popularity among dentists and the patients in India, even we have to comply with the use of amalgam
by implementing the best possible ways to minimize the extent of damage to nature.
Key Words:Dental amalgam,harmful effect,Hazardous waste,Mercury toxicity,Amalgam toxicity