Debate is raging in the US over whether mercury fillings should be banned.

The use of mercury amalgam in fillings is once again coming under scrutiny after it emerged dental patients in the US have filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drink Administration regarding its use.

News Sentinel reported for people aged over 40 in particular, the treatment has been widespread. However, there are now concerns that the heavy metal used in the amalgam could cause long-term illness.

Dr Jeffrey Platt, director of the Indiana University School of Dentistry’s Dental Materials Division, commented: “Every restorative material we use has potential to be toxic [and] has the potential to cause problems, even the resins.”

Elsewhere, 9News recently reported Centennial dentist surgery in Denver, Colorado, is trialling a new system whereby patients are given control of the dentist’s drill and can stop a procedure they are uncomfortable with at any time with the push of a button.

Dr Stace Lind said the aim of the move is to give people more control when they are in the chair and to help them allay any fears by giving them the ability to stop the dentist at the push of a button.