IADR Abstract Archives

Environmental Impact of Mercury-Free Dental Filling Materials

Objectives The Minamata Convention on Mercury was ratified by Ireland in March 2019. In the last five decades, mercury-free dental materials (MFDFM) have become a popular alternative to amalgam (mercury containing) fillings due to better aesthetics, less tooth tissue removed during cavity preparation and because of environmental concerns with respect to mercury. Much of the research literature with respect to MFDFM focuses on the physical and chemical properties of the materials in the oral cavity and the reaction of the soft tissues to these materials. There is a paucity of data with respect to behaviour and effect of the MFDFM on the environment. Aim: The aim of this research is to identify and appraise the literature on MFDFM and their environmental effect. Methods A search strategy was developed and a comprehensive search of the literature was conducted, searching the databases, Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. And exclusion criteria were agreed at the outset. Paper were reviewd separately by two rewires, and difference resolved via discussion. Results Using the agreed search criteria, 402 hits in total were achieved. After the duplicates were removed, 351 papers remained. Papers were reviewed by two reviewers. No studies were identified in this systematic review of the literature that confirmed that the components from MFDFM and their infiltration to the environment through different pathways had an environmental effect. Conclusions No research has been found to indicate a negative effect on the environment from mercury-free dental filling materials. However, as a future work further research is necessary using well conducted clinical trials with analysis of the environmental effect.
Irish Division Meeting
2019 Irish Division Meeting (Cork, Ireland)
Cork, Ireland
2019

Accepted Abstracts
  • Kamali, Naghmeh  ( Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork )
  • Binner, Hannah  ( School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences )
  • Sullivan, Timothy  ( School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences )
  • Harding, Máiréad  ( Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork )
  • Environment Protection Agency (EPA): Assessment of the environment and health impacts arising from mercury-free dental restorative materials

    Irish Division Poster Presentation Session