Dentistry

Connecticut Voters Say: Ban Dental Mercury

A new Zogby International Survey shows Connecticut voters overwhelmingly want to ban dental mercury (so-called “silver” fillings).

Zogby surveyed Connecticut voters in August and found:

* 87% support the law that prohibits the sale of mercury products in Connecticut;

* 79% did not know mercury is a primary ingredient in “silver” dental fillings;

* More than 80% support a ban on continued use of mercury fillings.

“These are startling numbers. This report should give both dental professionals and their patients something to chew on,” said John Zogby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zogby International.

Another nail in the coffin of dental amalgam.

Many dentists no longer restore teeth with the mercury containing amalgam and replacement alternative restorative materials are continually being developed. Some of these alternative resin are very close to amalgam in properties and offer a more conservative approach to tooth preparation since they are chemically bonded to the tooth.

A few more years the “silver filling” will be on display at the Smithsonian as an example of antiquated 20th century dentistry.

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