title: [Amalgam. XIX. Final: a reply to opponents and some guidelines].
abstract: Opponents of the use of dental amalgam fillings often hold specific views on health and illness. Their doubts about the safety of amalgam are based upon unproven theories and results obtained with invalidated diagnostic methods and case-histories. It is contended here that case-histories cannot be accepted as scientific evidence and do not warrant over-simplified and idle, yet threatening statements. Almost superfluously, the improbability (not identical to impossibility!) of toxic symptoms and the rare manifestation of allergic reactions are summarized, prior to the description of some measures to diminish the release of mercury from amalgam restorations. Guidelines are presented how to deal with patients with health complaints attributed by them to amalgam.
authors.affiliation: Vakgroep Cariologie en Endodontologie, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Schuurs
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Davidson
mesh_terms: D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam