Dental amalgam, commonly known as silver fillings, is a material used in dentistry to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It is composed of a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The use of dental amalgam has been a topic of debate for many years, with some people expressing concerns about the potential health risks associated with the mercury content.
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) has been phasing out the use of dental amalgam since 2009. However, it is still used in some cases, such as when a tooth is badly decayed or when the patient is allergic to other materials.
