When it has been determined that a tooth needs restoration either because of decay, the tooth is fractured or chipped or because of esthetic concerns there are different dental materials which can be used to address the problem. In this article I will briefly describe amalgams, commonly known as “silver fillings.” Silver filings are actually any alloy, or mixture of different metals. Amalgam fillings are a combination of silver, mercury, tin, copper and sometimes other metallic elements. Amalgam fillings provide a strong restoration, or filling, They can withstand the significant forces created when chewing. They are useful when the tooth…