Mar 11, 2008 7:43 pm US/Eastern
Some Dental Crowns Made In China Contain Lead
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Officials at the American Dental Association asked federal regulatory agencies to investigate the case of toxic levels of lead discovered in February in the dental work of a woman in Ohio whose crown was made in China. The dental association said it has also begun its own investigation.
In the wake of a 73-year-old Midwestern woman being sickened by lead-tainted dental work that was outsourced to China, consumers are being asked to inquire about the origins of their crowns, veneers, bridges and dentures.
US researchers said that the products are often made in unregulated laboratories and can contain high levels of lead.
I'm very, very concerned," said Adrienne Peters, a dental patient. "When I found this out, I just asked my dentist where my crown came from, so I'm happy it didn't come from China."
Coral Gables cosmetic dentist, Dr. Gordon Sokoloff, believes the increased pressure on many dentists affected by what insurers are willing to pay, find the low cost foreign attractive.
"If you have a crown done here it can cost $300 or $350, something like that for a fine quality crown," said Sokoloff. "If you out source it to China, the Philippines it can be $40 or $30."
Sokoloff knows the dental lab he uses manufactures all of its products here in Miami. Owner Dayle Cornelison said his company, Miami Dental Arts, has been approached for outsourcing in the past.
"They say its cheaper send it two us, but we haven't found a need to do that when we are very happy with what we produce ourselves," explained Cornelison.
Last year, toy manufacturer Mattel launched a massive product recall after some of its products made in China were found to have high levels of lead.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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