The possible relationship between mercury from dental amalgam and diseases. I: Effects within the oral cavity.

Mercury is released from dental amalgams, and therefore it is necessary to consider the biological and clinical consequences of such exposure. Intraorally, it would appear as though mercury can cause hypersensitivity/toxic reactions resulting in lichen planus lesions, and may play a major role in the pathogenesis of gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease.