What is the correct category of waste disposal for an extracted tooth containing an amalgam filling?

The correct category of waste disposal for an extracted tooth containing an amalgam filling is non-infectious (chemical) waste. This classification is appropriate because amalgam fillings contain mercury, a toxic substance that can pose environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.

When managing clinical waste, it's important to differentiate not just based on whether the waste is infectious but also considering the chemical components present in the disposal. Extracted teeth that have amalgam fillings are not considered infectious, as they do not carry a risk of transmissible diseases. Instead, they require careful attention due to the mercury content, leading them to be classified under non-infectious chemical waste to ensure safe handling and disposal according to regulations aimed at protecting public health and the environment. This awareness in classification helps maintain adequate safety standards in dental practice.