Amalgam is often used in dental fillings and is a mixture of mercury with other metals. Amalgam has been used for fillings for centuries. Amalgam and mercury fillings are very durable and strong.

There are several reasons that dentists still use amalgam fillings even after all of the newer methods have been introduced. Amalgam is highly resistant to wear, inexpensive, durable, and easy to use. Many dentists still rely on amalgam fillings.

Amalgam is a type of mixture that includes mercury as well as some other form of alloy or metal. Amalgam fillings are able to provide individuals with restored molars that are capable of handling a high chew load.

There are disadvantages to amalgam fillings such as the unnatural looking silver coloring. However, dentists typically use amalgam fillings in the molars, and they are very difficult to see. In situations that require restoration of a front tooth, other forms of fillings are often used.

Individuals may experience short term sensitivity to heat or cold after initial treatment. Dental amalgam fillings have been proven both effective and durable.  Although there is controversy over the safety of amalgam fillings, they have been used for over 100 years.