What is amalgam used for?
How durable is amalgam?
Amalgam has been regarded as a durable, long-lasting direct material. Recent systematic reviews have often found composite restorations perform as well as, or better than, amalgam.
[1]How is an amalgam filling placed?
Direct restorations are generally placed directly onto tooth structure and do not need laboratory preparation.
[1]What other materials can repair decay?
What does the material choice mean for a filling?
In a trial of 1,748 restorations, composite had a 3.5-times greater risk of secondary caries than amalgam. Other evidence found limited evidence of a significant longevity difference across restorative materials.
[1]Who should avoid amalgam?
For people with allergic conditions, the cited guidance names alternative mercury-free products and says amalgam should not be considered an alternative in that setting.
[2]Frequently asked questions
Are composite fillings always less durable than amalgam?
No. Recent systematic reviews have often found composite restorations perform as well as, or better than, amalgam.
[1]Is amalgam used for people with allergic conditions?
The cited guidance names alternative mercury-free products for people with allergic conditions and says amalgam should not be considered an alternative.
[2]