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Amalgam

  Overview
  ADA News
  The Journal of the American Dental Association
  Emerging Issues
  Additional Resources
 

Overview


Dental amalgam is considered a safe, affordable and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper and tin, in addition to mercury, which binds these components into a hard, stable and safe substance. Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety and effectiveness. Depending on treatment needs, it is one material available to dentists and patients when considering restorative options.

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ADA News

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The Journal of the American Dental Association

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Emerging Issues

Items in this section address emerging issues related to Amalgam.

September, 2006

On September 6–7, the ADA presented testimony to a joint panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the well-established safety and effectiveness of dental amalgam as a restorative material. At the two-day meeting in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the FDA panel collected facts and opinions about dental amalgam through written testimony and oral presentations from scientific experts including three witnesses on behalf of the ADA, consumer groups, and the general public.

August, 2005

The ADA assisted the Connecticut State Dental Association in responding to some negative press coverage about dental amalgam. The media coverage was based on the results of a poll conducted in Connecticut by Zogby on behalf of a group opposed to the use of dental amalgam. The poll indicated a majority of respondents favor banning dental amalgam in Connecticut. You may find this useful in responding to any negative media coverage in your local media.

  • Response to Negative Media Coverage on Dental Amalgam | PDF file/32k Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.
    (Posted 08/31/05)

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Additional Resources

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