An investigative report that aired on Feb. 27, 2008 on WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, revealed a confirmed case of a patient with high levels of lead and other metals in her dental bridge.

Moreover, the station's independent analysis of other dental crowns found some products also with high levels of lead. Toys leaching lead over 90 parts per million are considered hazardous, but the station's test found 210 parts per million leaching from a crown that could have been permanently implanted in a patient's mouth.

In April 2008, the CDC released a letter with the following statement, “The recent media reports of lead in dental porcelain/metal crowns suggest a level of approximately 200 parts per million.  Such small amounts of lead as reported, however, are extremely unlikely to cause adverse health effects in adults because the dental products wear out slowly, so the lead would be released in tiny amounts over time.  Even if released at an increased rate, it is highly unlikely that this amount would be a health risk to an adult�.  In response to this concern, NADL has created this website to help keep patients informed with the most up-to-date, correct information about the issue, as well as consumer tips. We recommend that you check this page often for updates and new information as it is released.

 

First and foremost - If you think there might an issue with a dental restoration in your mouth, your first step of action should be to contact your dentist.

Your dentist can help you determine if there is a cause for concern, and should be able to help you answer questions about where your restoration was made, and what materials it was made with.

WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio
WBNS continues to air follow-up stories to their original Feb. 27th story about the contaminated crowns. To watch the news videos and see their posted information, click here.

NADL's Media Statement
Read the statement released to the media by the National Association of Dental Laboratories here.