Dental amalgam has stood the test of time, which is why it is the material of choice. It has a history of 150 years and remains one of the safest, most durable and cheapest materials to fill the cavity. It is estimated that more than 1 billion amalgam prostheses (fillings) are placed each year. Dentists use dental amalgams because it is easier to use than other alternatives. Some patients prefer dental amalgam to other alternatives due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be rapidly placed in the tooth cavity.
