CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2020 – The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) statement that all dental restorative decisions and treatment options should be made by the patient and the dentist and that the existing evidence shows that dental amalgam is not harmful to the general population. The ADA reaffirms its position that dental amalgam is a durable, safe and effective cavity-filling option.
According to the FDA statement, “If you need a filling, discuss all treatment options with your dental provider, including the benefits and risks of using dental amalgam and other dental restorative materials, to help you make an informed decision.”
The ADA supports the FDA’s recommendation that existing amalgam fillings in good condition should not be removed or replaced unless it is considered medically necessary by a health care professional.
While the FDA cites certain groups that may be at greater risk for potential negative effects from exposure to mercury, the agency states that “little to no information” is known about the effects dental amalgam may have on these specific groups. There was no new scientific evidence cited as part of the FDA recommendation.
Patients should consult with their dentists to decide which filling material is best for them based on a number of factors, such as size and location of the cavity, patient history, cosmetic concerns and cost. The American Dental Association offers information about all dental filling materials at MouthHealthy.org.
About the ADA
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 163,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org
