[Amalgam. XII. Amalgam removed and patient cured?].
The aim of this article is to present a critical reflection on 'cures of patients' after the removal of dental amalgam fillings, reported in the popular press. It is concluded that, when the removal of dental amalgams in patients with a hypersensitivity to mercury is put aside, possible explanations for these questionable cures are not connected with the removal of amalgam but may involve the functioning of the immune system, the relation between environment and the opinions of patients and the influence of psychological factors on illness and health.
Eijkman
M A
MA
Vakgroep Sociale Tandheelkunde en Voorlichting, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
de Jongh
A
A
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000209:etiology*; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology
D003723:Dental Amalgam