Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, have been used in dentistry for over 150 years. They are a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. However, they have also been the subject of some controversy due to concerns about the health effects of mercury.
Despite these concerns, amalgam fillings are still used by many dentists. They are particularly well-suited for use in back teeth, where they can withstand the forces of chewing. Amalgam fillings are also less likely to chip or break than other types of fillings.
