[Is there a link between the mercury release of amalgam fillings and the results of psychological questionnaires?].

Abstract

Amalgam as a dental filling material shows excellent material property. It is fast, easy and economical to implement. Evidence for the release of mercury (Hg) from amalgam fillings was given in a number of studies. Mercury release from amalgam dental fillings is often claimed to be a possible cause of unspecific chronic symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headache and migraine. The present study explored relationships between the mercury release from amalgam fillings and the results of psychological questionnaires. The urine of 126 men and women in the age range of 16 to 76 years was examined. 45 participants did not present any amalgam restorations. The mercury released into the urine was measured by using cold-vapour AAS. The results of the study show that chronic mercury exposure, in the low concentration range, is not linked with chronic subjective symptoms.