Dental amalgam, commonly known as silver fillings, is a mixture of metals that includes mercury. It has been used for over a century to fill cavities and restore damaged teeth due to its durability and affordability. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of mercury fillings, leading to debates about their continued use.
The primary concern with mercury fillings is the potential release of mercury into the body. Mercury is a toxic substance that can accumulate in the body over time and may cause neurological and developmental problems. However, the amount of mercury released from dental amalgam fillings is generally considered to be low, and most health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), deem the use of amalgam fillings to be safe.
