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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

How Different Stressors Affect the Mercury Release from Dental Amalgam Fillings and

Microleakage

Juliette Becerra & Daniela Vargas

Lamar Institute of Technology

Dental Hygiene Program

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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

How Different Stressors Affect the Mercury Release from Dental Amalgam Fillings and

Microleakage

Dental amalgam is a commonly used filling used to restore teeth that contain caries.

Although they have numerous benefits for the restoration of teeth, some studies show concern

for the possible microleakage of mercury vapor into the body from different stressors. With this

research, we hope to aid the clinician in educating their patients about the adverse health effects

and stressors that can cause microleakage and how to prevent or minimize it. This latest

information will benefit practicing clinicians in expanding their knowledge about the risks and

stressors that affect the leakage. Since children are believed to be at a greater risk of being

exposed to mercury and cause potential harm, we believe clinicians must be aware of these

stressors. We will be focusing on the effects of high-field MRIs, wireless communication

systems, and the effects of both stressors on pregnant women and their fetuses.

“Substantial data suggests that mercury causes a wide [range] of physiological and

adverse health effects ranging from bioaccumulation in the central nervous system, liver and [the]

kidneys as its major targets to promoting carcinogenesis, immunotoxicity, kidney damage that

leads to nephrotoxicity, declined neurological capacity, neurobehavioral function, impaired

reproduction quality, and altered spring quality” (Keshavarz et al, 2022, pp. 227-228). Dental

amalgam is a common material used for restorations but has the potential to cause microleakage

of mercury vapor into the body from different types of stressors. High-field MRIs are machines

that produce images utilizing magnets and radio waves and are commonly used as a medical

diagnostic imaging modality. Gradient magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation have caused

the microleakage of mercury vapor from dental amalgams to enter the human body. A study was

conducted to evaluate the difference in urinary mercury levels between a controlled group and a
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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

group with MRI exposure after dental amalgams were received. “Later, 96 hours after amalgam

restoration (72 hours after MRI), the mercury level in the MRI group was still significantly

(p=0.046) higher than that in the control group” (Mortazavi, 2015, p. 104). Not only have high-

field MRIs been concluded for the release of mercury, but saliva has also been shown to act as a

factor. Saliva induces galvanic currents because of its role in acting as an electrolyte. This results

in dental amalgams having mercury leakage due to electrical currents. “…various factors

[depend] on the rate of mercury release such as filling size, tooth, and surface placement,

chewing, food texture, tooth grinding, and brushing teeth, as well as the surface area,

composition, and age of the amalgam” (Krstic, 2019, p.3). Clinicians should educate their

patients about these factors and refrain them from high-field MRIs for 24 hours after receiving

dental amalgam restorations to prevent the release of mercury.

Furthermore, the electromagnetic fields from wireless communication systems are

associated with the release of mercury from dental amalgam fillings. Operating a mobile phone

close to the jaw causes heat, resulting in mercury vapors being released from the filling. Some

effects resulting from the mercury release “may lead to nephrotoxicity, neurobehavioral changes,

oxidative stress, autism, skin and mucosa alterations, or non-specific symptoms and complaints”

(Krstic, 2019, p.40). In this study, a comparison between distinct types of mobile devices and the

radiation emitted was evaluated. Out of a monoblock with a helicoidal antenna phone, a swivel

model phone, and a monoblock with an integrated antenna phone, the monoblock with a

helicoidal antenna had greater results “obtained [with] Computer-Aided Design (CAD)” (Krstic,

2019, p.41). Additionally, to examine the changes between a model with an amalgam filling and

one without when exposed to electromagnetic fields from the mobile device, “the Finite

Integration Technique (FIT) was used” (Krstic, 2019, p.43). Based on the results, there was
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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

approximately a 52% increase in the electromagnetic field present in the model with the amalgam

filling. To “determine…[the] amount of mercury in the body… the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test

[method is used]” (Krstic, 2019, p.45). The experiment consisted of two separate groups, one

with amalgam fillings and one without. The examinees provided a urine sample before and after

talking on a mobile device for 15 minutes. The results show that the “level of mercury, [although]

the same in the liver, [had increased in the urine after such] short exposure [time]” (Krstic, 2019,

p.46). These results are significant because the liver is the body’s filtration system. Mercury

released can flow into the blood stream, pass through, and potentially damage other organs before

it reaches the liver and is then micturated. Krstic (2019) explains that the “intensity of induced

currents may take effects on the [teeth’s tissues] in terms of sensitivity, which could account for

effects… such as pain, dizziness, [and] loss of balance” (p.48). Since wireless communication

systems have become popular and normalized, it is beneficial to understand the association

between using mobile phones and the increased levels of mercury to advise and protect all

individuals and those with an allergy to mercury.

Lastly, both stressors can have adverse effects towards pregnant patients who have

amalgam restorations. Mortazavi shares a study done in 2009 on human teeth and their reaction

to an MRI. There were “63 premolar teeth [separated] into three groups based on three high-

copper amalgams used [. The] differences in microleakage were significant in the GS-80 and

Vivacap groups, but not in the Cinalux group” (Mortazavi, 2015, p.370). The results showed that

MRIs are not entirely safe for those with amalgam fillings. Clinicians should be aware of the

effects MRIs can have on patients with amalgam restorations, especially those that are pregnant.

Mortazavi (2015) reports that “the mercury levels in the [umbilical] cord’s blood were

significantly associated with the number of maternal amalgam fillings…” (p.370). Fetuses
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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow through the umbilical cord. Unfortunately,

toxic chemicals can also be transported between the mother and fetus through the cord.

Mortazavi (2015) advises that “pregnant women should postpone dental amalgam restorations to

avoid the toxic effects of mercury on the fetus” (p.370). This will prevent the transfer of

increased mercury levels and decrease the possibility of health issues in infants. Prenatal mercury

exposure can contribute to a range of problems the infant can undergo, including “damage to the

CNS, fetotoxicity, genotoxicity, and detrimental neurological effects” (Keshavarz, 2022, p.228).

The use of devices that emit an electromagnetic field has increased with the availability of

modern technology. Many mothers and their children depend on these devices for entertainment,

education, and communication. Wireless devices are used for many hours throughout the day

without knowing the potential harm caused to their body. It has been “suggested that pregnant

women with dental amalgam fillings should limit their exposure to [MRIs] and electromagnetic

fields [produced by mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and light-curing tools] to prevent toxic effects

of mercury in [themselves, as well as] their fetuses” (Mortazavi, 2015, p.370). Electromagnetic

field waves can be minimized by keeping all EMF-producing devices away from frequently used

gathering rooms, turning off all devices not in use, and having radiation- absorbing plants.

In conclusion, dental amalgams are a common restorative material used in dentistry but

have the potential for mercury microleakage in the body. It is essential for the clinician and the

patient to understand the toxic effects that may occur from the microleakage of the element. It is

imperative for those sensitive to mercury, pregnant women and their fetuses, children, and

elderly patients to be advised about the adverse health effects. High-field MRIs, wireless

communication systems, and other naturally occurring effects in the oral cavity can lead to the
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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

microleakage of mercury. Further studies are still in process to investigate other stressors that

may affect the mercury release from dental amalgam fillings and microleakage.
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How Different Stressors Affect Mercury Release

Works Cited

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (2021, February 18). Dental amalgam fillings. U.S.

Food and Drug Administration.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-amalgam-fillings

Keshavarz, M., Eslami, J., Abedi-Firouzjah, R., Mortazavi, S. A., Abbasi, S., & Mortazavi, G.

(2022). How do different physical stressors’ affect the mercury release from dental

amalgam fillings and microleakage? A systematic review. Journal of biomedical physics &

engineering, 12(3), 227-236. https://jbpe.sums.ac.ir/article_47591.html

Krstic, D., Dunjjic, M., Zigar, D., Stanisic, S., Rajevic, B., Mirkovic, M., Ignjatic, Z. J., Dunjic,

M., Stefanovic, B., Dunjic, K., Krstic, M. (2019). Electro-Magnetic Field Radiation of

Mobile Phones as A Cause of Increased Release of Mercury from Amalgam Fillings and

Risk of Harmful Effects on Health. Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research, 44(1),

39-52.

Mortazavi, G., & Mortazavi, S. M. J. (2015). Should pregnant women with dental amalgam

fillings limit their exposure to electromagnetic fields to prevent the toxic effects of mercury

in their foetuses?. Technology and Health Care, 23(3), 369–371.

Mortazavi, S. M. J., Neghab, M., Anoosheh, S. M. H., Bahaeddini, N., Mortazavi, G., Neghab,

P., & Rajaeifard, A. (2014). High-field MRI and Mercury release from dental amalgam

fillings. The International Occupational and Environment Medicine,5(2), 101-

105. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767616/