Dental amalgam has been used for over 150 years for the treatment of dental cavities and is
still used, in particular in large cavities due to its excellent mechanical properties and
durability. Dental amalgam is a combination of alloy particles and mercury that contains
about 50% of mercury in the elemental form.
Overall, the use of alternative materials such as composite resins, glass ionomer cements,
ceramics, and gold alloys, is increasing, either due to their aesthetic properties or alleged
health concerns related to the use of dental amalgam.
Whereas the toxicity of mercury has been extensively researched, relatively little is known
about the safety of alternative materials, possibly because some alternatives are relatively new
materials.
no comment untill now