What is amalgam (silver filling)?

Dental amalgam is a stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements. Dental amalgam continues to be a safe, commonly used restorative material. The mercury in amalgam combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling teeth.

Amalgam is the name dentists use to describe one of the most common forms of dental fillings. Fillings are used to repair cavities or damage to teeth caused by decay. Fillings made from amalgam are often called silver fillings, but they are made from a variety of metals, including tin, copper, mercury, silver, and others. Amalgam fillings are generally used to repair cavities in the rear teeth.