what is amalgam

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It consists of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately half of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. Despite being sometimes referred to as "silver fillings" due to their appearance, the use of this term is not recommended because it does not accurately explain the materials in amalgam. Dental amalgam is considered a safe, sound, and effective treatment for tooth decay. It is a durable and affordable restorative material, and it has advantages over resin-based materials in certain clinical situations, such as when a patient is at higher risk for tooth decay or when there is a need for large fillings in posterior teeth where biting forces are high. However, the use of dental amalgam has been declining over the years, with materials such as resin-based composites and glass ionomers being more widely used. When amalgam fillings are placed in or removed from teeth, they can release a small amount of mercury vapor, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children over the age of six. Intact amalgam fillings should not be removed for the purpose of preventing any disease or health condition, unless considered medically necessary by a health care professional. If there are concerns about the need for removal and replacement of amalgam fillings, it is recommended to discuss this with a dentist or physician, especially for individuals with sensitivity or allergy to mercury, or neurological or kidney disease.