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.

ADA News
- Court dismisses suit seeking new FDA restrictions on amalgam (April 16, 2007)
- Association provides testimony to FDA panel on amalgam safety (Sept. 11, 2006)
- Protecting the environment (May 15, 2006)
- JAMA studies support safety of dental amalgam (April 18, 2006)
- Amalgam OK during pregnancy (April 1, 2005)
- Study backs amalgam (March 16,2005)
- Dentists win exemption (Feb. 16, 2005)
- ADA tallies win in Florida amalgam suit (Dec. 14, 2004)
- Report
upholds
amalgam (December 9, 2004)
- Florida
court grants ADA motion
to dismiss amalgam suit (June
11, 2004)
- Two
more amalgam cases dismissed,
total now at 33 and counting (March
5, 2004)
- Association
testifies before expert panel
on amalgam
safety (Jan.
7, 2004)
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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
(Posted 08/31/05)
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Additional
Resources
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