Only one dentist in four would support a ban on silver fillings made of dental amalgam.

Past surveys have consistently shown dentists split on the topic of amalgam, as about half of dentists place amalgam fillings. But in this survey, 74% of dentists said that dentists should be able to make their own choices about restorative materials.

“I’ve personally not used it for 30 years,” said one dentist, “but I would guard the right of others to use it when indicated by their ethics and philosophy.”

Here are some further dentist comments:

• “All studies demonstrate amalgam is safe and very effective.” (California dentist)
• “Composites are not without their own toxic byproducts.” (General dentist)
• “Once the ‘Old Guard’ passes, retires or fades away, there will be no more dental amalgam.” (General dentist)
• “I just travelled to Haiti to do volunteer work in a make shift mission. In the end, the amalgam was the best material of choice… Each dentist must be given the option of selecting the material of choice for the conditions in which they are required.” (General dentist)
• “It’s time to move on. Hopefully the options will get even better.” (New York dentist)
• “Most dentists cannot do a decent proximal contacted composite. I would much rather have a mediocre amalgam than an almost perfect composite.” (New Jersey dentist)
• “If amalgam was safe, OSHA would not require its disposal in hazardous waste.” (California dentist)
• “I could not, would not be able to serve the IDD (intellectually and developmentally disabled) population well if I was not given the choice of amalgam.” (Developmental Dentist)
• “I personally use amalgam probably less than 5% of the time, but at least I have that choice. Who would enforce this ban? The Government?? Let the dentist decide!!” (Florida dentist)
• “It works well, is very forgiving, seals its own margins. It is not the universal restorative material, but neither is anything else, including resin. Dentists should have the skill, knowledge and option to use a variety of materials.” (Indiana dentist)
• “If this were a new material applying for FDA approval, how long would the process take? How hard would the FDA laugh before saying ‘NEXT!’?” (Texas dentist)
• “Unless evidence exists – which it does not – a ban is totalitarian. What’s next – McDonalds? Pizza? Meat?” (Orthodontist)
• “You can’t do repairs under dental crowns with anything other than amalgam.” (General dentist)
• “I wouldn’t use it on myself or my family. So I haven’t used it on my patients in 17 years.” (Texas dentist)
• “Amalgam works fine. Never seen a negative effect of amalgam use.” (Prosthodontist)

Read more: Dentists Not in Favor of Banning Dental Amalgam