Amalgam Filling

Dental amalgam is a liquid mercury and metal alloy mixture used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay.[1] Low-copper amalgam commonly consists of mercury (50%), silver (~22–32% ), tin (~14%), copper (~8%) and other trace metals.[2][3] Dental amalgams were first documented in a Tang Dynasty medical text written by Su Kung in 659, and appeared in Germany in 1528.[4][5] In the 1800s, amalgam became the dental restorative material of choice due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, and durability.[6]

Recently[when?] however, concern for aesthetics, environmental pollution, health, and the availability of improved, reliable, composite materials diminished its popularity.[7] In particular, concerns about the toxicity of mercuryhave made its use increasingly controversial.