Amalgam filling
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-21-12Last update: 2010-01-01
An amalgam filling is the traditional treatment used when a piece of tooth has broken off or when a cavity has formed.
What is it?
An amalgam filling consists of an alloy made up of silver, tin, copper, zinc and mercury.
This fills a tooth by being injected into a hole and then setting – holding the tooth together in the process.
Why is it used?
Amalgam is cheap, durable and has been in use reliably for a very long time.
What is the risk?
The main risk of having an amalgam filling is that it doesn’t strengthen the tooth after parts of it have been lost. This leads to an increased risk of cracking and breaking.