Amalgam fillings are the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material among all those in use today. Amalgam fillings are durable, highly resistant to wear and they are the lower cost filling option.    Amalgam filling are made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements. 

Although amalgam filling are still considered to be safe the concerns that was  raised were about the mercury content in amalgams.  However the mercury when combined with the other metals is renders stable and safe for use in fillings.   Since amalgam filling are able to withstand high pressure they become useful for filling in molars where chewing load is higher. Amalgam filling are well tolerated by most people with only rare occurrences of allergic response.  Some people may have short term sensitivity to hot and cold after an amalgam filling as been done.  Course amalgam filling are silver in color which may be okay for back teeth not easily seen but might not be want you would want to have towards the front of your mouth.

Amalgam fillings are useful in baby teeth.  If a child still has baby teeth but needs a filling you may not want to spend the cost for white color fillings, on teeth that will soon come out when your child start to get their adult teeth in.   In the end amalgam filling still have their place and it should be something to consider when having filling done. Talk to your dentist and find out all your filling options then decide what you may feel is best for you and your family  And remember all dental services are less expensive when you have a dental insurance or dental discount plan in place.  So keep us in mind for your dental plans needs.