03 | 15 | 2008 Posted By Regan Zambri & Long
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Crowns and Other Dental Fixtures Produced Abroad May Contain Lead

Though patients and even dentists are often unaware, crowns, bridges and other dental devices produced by foreign manufacturers contain dangerous levels of lead in many instances, according to an investigative report by WBNS-10 TV  -- an Ohio television station that has captured the attention of the American Dental Association (ADA) and millions of concerned patients.

According to the ADA, 15 to 20% of all dental prostheses used in the U.S. originate in foreign labs --- only a fraction of which originate in China.  (Recently, many lead-tainted children's toys have been found to have originated in China.)  The organization maintains that there is no appropriate use for lead in the manufacture of dental products. 

In light of this recent report, the ADA is currently taking the following actions to protect dental patients:

  • "We are informing all of our member dentists about the report. 
  • We have contacted the appropriate federal authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • We have begun our own investigation into the safety of both foreign and domestically-produced dental crowns and other dental prostheses. However, our investigation should not be viewed as a substitute for necessary oversight and enforcement by the federal and state government agencies responsible for protecting the public’s health and safety.
  • We will communicate our findings to the public and the dental profession, as well as to the appropriate government agencies."

    According to the agency, patients can also help to protect themselves from lead prosthetics by routinely asking the following questions of their dentist:

  • "Do you fashion your own crowns, bridges and other dental materials in the office or purchase them from a dental laboratory?
  • Where is the dental lab located?
  • Does the lab outsource crowns or bridges to a foreign country?  
  • If the lab is in a foreign country, does it provide written documentation that it is registered with the FDA?  
  • Does the lab provide written documentation that it uses FDA-approved materials?
  • Have you noticed any problems with the crowns, bridges or other items produced by this dental lab? 
  • What other options do I have?"


    Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

    For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030. 

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