HARRISBURG, Pa., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) is recommending that PDA member dentists use a recently published brochure by the American Dental Association (ADA) when discussing restorative options with patients.
"The Pennsylvania Dental Association encourages its members to give patients the latest information on oral health issues," said Dr. Jon J. Johnston, President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. "The ADA brochure is an excellent resource for patients to learn about the wide assortment of restorative options available to them."
Johnston noted that patients could be confused about which restorative options are best for their individual health needs. "I hope patients discuss all treatment options with their dentist, and this brochure is a wonderful starting point," Johnston said. He added that the reader-friendly ADA brochure details the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of restorative materials, such as amalgam, composite and porcelain restorations.
The ADA brochure also discusses the issue of mercury in dental amalgam fillings. The brochure notes that dental amalgam fillings, commonly called "silver fillings" because of their color, contain elemental mercury. The brochure further explains that numerous public health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the ADA, have found no scientific evidence that casts any doubt on the safety of dental amalgam, except for rare cases of localized allergic reactions.
The brochure also details the advantages and disadvantages of using amalgam fillings. Amalgam is strong and durable, but it is not tooth-colored and tends to darken over time, which makes it less cosmetically appealing.
Johnston said the PDA is currently working with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to develop a patient brochure on restorative options, including amalgam and composite fillings. Johnston said the PDA and other dental organizations want to ensure that any brochures used with patients are based on scientific fact.
"The PDA wants patients to have the facts in order to make informed decisions about whether to request amalgam or composite fillings," Johnston said. "The ADA brochure will be very helpful for patients learning the pros and cons of restorative materials when discussing their options with their dentist. I urge PDA members to use this informative brochure when discussing options with their patients."
For a copy of the ADA brochure "Dental Filling Facts," go to the PDA website at http://www.padental.org/fillingfacts or the ADA website at http://www.ada.org/.
Pennsylvania Dental Association
