7. Should current amalgams be removed? The Patient Asks "If there is any question at all, wouldn't it be wise for concerned patients to simply have their amalgam fillings removed and replaced with other materials?" The ADA Answers "Unless the patient suffers an immediate adverse (allergic) reaction to an amalgam, a reaction that does not resolve in a short time, it is not advisable to have amalgam fillings removed." Since 1984 the ADA has claimed that the incidence of hypersensitivity to mercury is less than 1%. 39 IAOMT Response The ADA answer is both false and misleading. This position is in stark contrast to the published scientific literature both before and after 1984. It has been reported that cutaneous (skin) allergy to mercury occurs in approximately 5% of the general population. Studies of those with amalgam fillings finds that between 2% - 35% test hypersensitive to mercury. 40, 41, 42 None of the experimental subjects without dental amalgam tested positive for allergy to mercury. The development of this adverse reaction may not be immediate but, research shows that the incidence of allergy gradually increases with time and onset may be delayed five or more years. 43