MedInform

Journal of Medical and Dental Practice

www.medinform.bgISSN 2367-6795

Issue One 2022

2022, Vol. 9, issue 1, (June)

Publisher: Medinform LTD
ISSN: 2367-6795
Pages: 1364-1454
Date of close: 2022/06/30

Original Article

Knowledge, Safety and Attitude of Dentists Toward Dental Amalgam

Abstract:

Dental amalgam is considered one of the most important materials in dental medicine. It has been widely used for more than two centuries. Since its inception, there has been much controversy over its ban, due to the release of mercury during its processing. Its use worldwide decreases, but it has not disappeared completely.

The majority of dentists in Bulgaria – 69%, use dental amalgam. Those who do not work with amalgam are significantly younger. The majority of dentists (80%) work with amalgam in capsules, 20% use a mechanical mixing machine, and 5% still apply manual mixing in a mortar and pestle.

One in four dentists who work with dental amalgam do not wear gloves when working with this material. Dentists with more professional experience are less likely to follow reasonable rules for working with dental amalgam.

In the majority of cases (69%) dentists have had a patient with complaints due to dental amalgam. They rarely report having patients with lichenoid reactions and burning, and one in four dental professionals has had such a patient. Nearly 38% of dentists have had a patient with an allergy to amalgam. Undoubtedly the most common side effect is the metallic taste in the mouth, reported by ¾ of dentists.

Only a quarter of dental doctors have an amalgam filter installed before pouring water down the drain. 72% report that they do not have any treatment facilities at the exit of the unit. Half of the dentists dispose of the remains of dental amalgam directly in the garbage. 55% of doctors apply amalgam only to molars, 95% to premolars and molars and 4.8% to premolars and molars, canines and incisors.

Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that dental amalgam is well accepted by dentists and patients in Bulgaria. The majority of dentists believe amalgam is safe for patients and dentists. The ecological and health recommendations are not observed when working with this material. Side effects in the mouth, due to dental amalgam, are not uncommon.

Keywords: dental amalgam; dentists, health, safety, dental restorations

Authors:

Vladimir Panov; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Varna;

Corresponding Author:

Vladimir Panov, DMD, PhD, DSc; Professor,; Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Pathology, Faculty of dental medicine, Medical University – Varna; Email this author