Amalgam(Silver) fillings: fact versus fiction "Amalgam fillings are frequently replaced to improve the appearance of the teeth. Patients should be wise to that there is always an element of risk when a filling is taken out, because more advanced procedures for the tooth may be needed." Over the last few years, there has been renewed controversy finished the dentist’s use of amalgam fillings. Dental amalgam contains mercury bound to silver, copper, tin and other metals, and has been safely used in dental fillings for more than cardinal years - http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings_faq.asp . Some people believe that amalgam is dangerous because it contains much than 50% mercury, and that mercury is known to cause toxicity to the brain and kidneys. The reason that the mercury in amalgam fillings is harmless is because it is chemically bound to the other metals it contains. Despite the long safety record of amalgam, there are galore other dental materials that can be used in its place and whatsoever circumstances when amalgam should be replaced.