Evidence of Harm
A reading list of the published evidence the academy relies on when it takes a position on dental materials and patient safety.
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The Case For Caution, In Sources
Biological dentistry is often described as a matter of belief. It is not. The concerns the academy raises about dental materials rest on published measurements, regulatory acknowledgements, and clinical observation. The categories below collect that material so patients and practitioners can read it directly rather than take our word for it.
Mercury Exposure From Amalgam
Mercury vapour is released from amalgam fillings continuously, and the rate rises with chewing, brushing, grinding, and heat. Studies measuring intra-oral vapour and urinary mercury after chewing have documented this release for decades.
Human Autopsy And Tissue Burden
Autopsy work has found mercury in human brain, kidney, and pituitary tissue, with the highest concentrations in individuals who carried a larger number of amalgam surfaces. This is direct evidence that the mercury leaves the tooth.
Occupational And Environmental Burden
Dental amalgam is a recognised source of mercury in dental wastewater and in crematoria emissions. Dental offices are treated as mercury handlers under waste rules, and amalgam separators are required in many jurisdictions, an acknowledgement that the material is hazardous.
Removal Exposure
Drilling an amalgam filling generates heat, vapour, and fine particulate. Without the containment, filtration, and suction measures in the PROTECT Protocol, a removal can deliver a larger single exposure than years of the filling sitting quietly in place.
Read The Positions Themselves
The evidence above is the foundation for the academy's formal position papers.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare or dental practitioner about your individual situation.