The ADA's Position on Dental Amalgam

A dentist with more than three decades of experience, James A. Vito, DMD, has managed a practice in Wayne, Pennsylvania, for the past 15 years, where he offers restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. In addition to his practice, James A. Vito, DMD, is a member of the American Dental Association.

The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to maintain that amalgam fillings pose no risk to patients. Rigorous studies by the ADA over the years, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have shown that this composition of metals is more than adequate for use as a tooth filling material and been proven to be safe and effective.

Nearly 20 years ago, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs first undertook a serious study of all the existing information on amalgam. After much research, the group came to conclusions supporting amalgam’s safety and said there was “no justification” to stop using it in fillings. 

In terms of classification, the FDA ruled in 2009 that amalgam is a Class II medical device, meaning that it is in the same category as other dental restoratives such as composite materials. Concurrent with its classification, the FDA supported the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' conclusion that amalgam continues to be safe and effective.