CHICAGO--The American Dental Association has welcomed the call by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel for additional review of scientific studies on the safety of dental amalgam fillings.
"The more well-designed studies that are considered, the better the pool of evidence for making treatment recommendations to patients," said American Dental Association Executive Director, James B. Bramson, DDS. "First and foremost, we want scientific evidence to lead the way when it comes to health care treatment."
While other dental fillings materials are also available, dental amalgam remains a valued option due to its strength, durability, affordability and the fact that it can be used below the gum line, which is difficult to keep dry.
Dental amalgam can be placed in a wet environment and hardens quickly, which can be critical when working with patients such as children or people with disabilities, who might have difficulty sitting still during treatment.
The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence supports the safety and efficacy of dental amalgam, and it should continue to be made available to dentists and their patients, the ADA stated.
