For generations, dentists placed silver-colored fillings in millions of teeth. But behind their familiar appearance lies a controversial ingredient: mercury. Now that Europe has largely phased them out, Americans are asking an uncomfortable question—why are they still permitted in the United States?

with specific medical needs when dentists consider amalgam strictly necessary.

Additional restrictions on manufacturing and importing dental amalgam took effect on July 1, 2026, subject to medical-necessity exceptions.

The decision represented a major shift in European dentistry.

However, there is an important detail often missing from social media discussions.

Europe’s phaseout was driven substantially by environmental policy, not by a scientific determination that everyone with an existing amalgam filling is being poisoned.

Mercury can persist in the environment, contaminate ecosystems, and accumulate in food chains. Dental amalgam contributes to mercury waste through dental procedures, wastewater, and disposal.

By reducing its