These short notes are aimed at clarifying to the large public what position has been taken by the world scientific community -including OMS/WHO (World Health Organization), DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services, USA), FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA), FDI (Federation Dentaire Internationale), US Public Health Service, NIDR (National Institute of Dental Research), ADA (American Dental Association), the Dental Departments at Berne, Basel, Geneva and Zurich Universities in Switzerland, the German Universities of Münster and Erlangen and the Swedish Medical Council- with respect to the issue of silver amalgam risk:

• An amalgam restoration poses no risk to the patients’ and their offspring’s health.
• Blood and urinary mercury levels of frequent fish eaters are more elevated than those of individuals carrying multiple amalgam restorations.
• There is no health reason for substituting still efficient amalgam restorations with alternative materials.
• Amalgam still represents an optimal restoration material; alternative choices may include composite, gold or ceramics restorations. In the case of ceramics and composite restorations, results are more attractive but the execution is more complex and the costs are higher.

In certain clinical conditions, silver amalgam is still unreplaceable.

If you need further informations on the amalgam issue, you may consult the review article by Dr. Tessore "Are silver amalgam restorations bad for patient’s health?"