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The CDC explained that the level of lead reported in the crown in the media reports —approximately 200 parts per million—is “highly unlikely” to be a health risk to an adult.

“Such small amounts of lead as reported, are extremely unlikely to cause adverse health effects in adults,”  said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  “Given the current information, CDC does not recommend that individuals defer needed oral procedures or have existing prostheses removed.”

That said, the CDC noted that it recommends against the unnecessary use of lead in consumer products, including dental crowns.

“I’m relieved that the CDC sees no threat to patients based upon the trace amount of lead reported,” said ADA President Mark Feldman. “We are still conducting our own test of dental prostheses and are gratified that CDC has offered to interpret any health impact of the results”.

In March letters the ADA asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to address safety concerns raised in news reports centering on a dental crown manufactured in China and exported to the U.S. that tested positive for lead. The Association asked the government agencies to keep the ADA informed of action plans to enhance public safety and confidence, as well as efforts to identify the extent of the potential contamination.

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The FDA assured the ADA it is working to obtain information on the presence of lead in dental prosthetics and will use information gained to guide regulatory strategy and help determine its next steps in handling the issue.

The FDA will not be issuing a Consumer Update at this time; however, the agency will consider further actions after careful evaluation of the scientific evidence.

“The Food and Drug Administration is taking this report very seriously,” Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., told Dr. Feldman in its response. “FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health is also working to obtain additional information on the presence of lead in dental prosthetics.”

The ADA noted in its letters to the government agencies that it is undertaking its own study (not as a substitute for government agencies functions), including random, objective testing of prosthetics from both overseas and domestic labs.

Both agencies thanked the Association for communicating its concerns on behalf of dental health care workers and the public, as well as the ADA’s intent to share any future information garnered through its independent research.