Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings typically comprise 50% pure elemental mercury, 35% silver, 13% tin, 2% copper, and a trace of zinc. The metal powders react with liquid mercury to produce an amalgam (or alloy) that provides a flexible material that can be easily packed and shaped. Amalgam fillings are often called silver fillings because of their appearance.

While amalgam is still used occasionally in certain circumstances, other materials have been developed which are equally as good or better and more natural in appearance.