Are Mercury Fillings Safe? What the FDA and Research Say
What's Really in a Silver Filling?
Silver fillings, also called dental amalgam, are about 50% mercury by weight, bound with silver, tin, and copper. They release small amounts of mercury vapor, especially when chewing or grinding. In 2020, the FDA recommended that certain higher-risk groups avoid new amalgam fillings when appropriate, while also advising against removing sound fillings solely to prevent disease.
Understanding Dental Amalgam
Amalgam has been used for more than 150 years because it is durable and inexpensive. The mercury in amalgam is elemental mercury, which can be released as vapor and absorbed through the lungs. The amount released depends on the number and size of fillings, chewing, grinding, and hot liquids.
What the FDA Recommends
The FDA recommends that the following groups avoid new amalgam fillings whenever possible and appropriate:
People who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, and their developing babies
Children, especially under age 6
People with pre-existing neurological disease
People with impaired kidney function
People with a known sensitivity or allergy to mercury or other amalgam components
What the FDA Does Not Recommend
The FDA does not recommend removing amalgam fillings in good condition unless your health-care professional considers it medically necessary. Removing a sound filling can release mercury vapor and remove healthy tooth structure.
Where the Evidence Stands
| Question | What is known |
|---|---|
| Do amalgam fillings release mercury? | Yes. Small amounts of vapor are released, more with chewing, grinding, and removal. |
| Are some people at higher risk? | Yes. The FDA names specific higher-risk groups. |
| Can people react to amalgam? | Yes. Allergy and localized reactions in the gums or cheek next to a filling are documented, though uncommon. |
| Do amalgam fillings cause chronic illness? | This has not been established. Research on low-level exposure continues. |
| Is removal risk-free? | No. Removal can briefly increase exposure, which is why protective protocols matter. |
Our Approach to Amalgam at Atlanta Dental Wellness
We do not place mercury amalgam fillings.
We evaluate existing amalgam fillings tooth by tooth for cracks, leakage, decay, and wear.
When removal makes sense, we follow every step of the IAOMT SMART protocol.
We restore teeth with mercury-free materials, including a BPA/Bis-GMA-free composite.
Both of our dentists, Dr. Cale Jackson and Dr. Matthew Giordano, are SMART-certified and accredited by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers address common questions patients ask about mercury fillings. Your examination and health history may lead to different advice for you.
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Amalgam fillings contain mercury, a known toxin, and release small amounts of vapor. Whether that exposure harms a specific person depends on factors such as the number of fillings and individual risk.
The FDA recommends that some higher-risk groups avoid new amalgam and advises against removing sound fillings without a medical reason.
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Yes. Silver-colored fillings are dental amalgam, which is about 50% mercury by weight.
The mercury is bound with silver, tin, and copper, but small amounts of vapor are still released over time.
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Yes, some U.S. dentists still place amalgam. The European Union banned most amalgam use starting January 1, 2025.
Atlanta Dental Wellness does not place mercury amalgam fillings.
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Documented reactions include allergy and localized reactions in the gums or cheek next to a filling. These are uncommon.
Broader symptoms are harder to link to fillings. See our page on mercury filling symptoms for more detail.
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If your fillings are intact and you are not in a higher-risk group, the FDA does not recommend removal solely to prevent disease.
If a filling is cracked, leaking, or decayed, or you have concerns, an evaluation can help you decide.
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The FDA says amalgam is not recommended for certain higher-risk groups when other options are appropriate. It has not banned amalgam.
It also advises that sound amalgam fillings not be removed unless medically necessary.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Fillings
If you have silver fillings and want to understand their condition, schedule a visit with Atlanta Dental Wellness in Atlanta. We will evaluate each one and explain your options.
