Dental amalgam is a mixture of silver, other metals and mercury. It
has been cited as a significant cause of mercury pollution in rivers
and oceans. Many countries have already limited or banned its use.
The disposal of waste mercury products (including dental filling materials)
is costly, time-consuming and complex. The material has to be placed
in sealed containers and removed by licensed hazardous waste contractors.
It cannot simply be thrown away. This even applies to extracted teeth
which contain mercury fillings.
Mercury is poisonous and some patients are concerned about health
risks associated with its use. While there is no conclusive evidence
that mercury released by fillings is harmful to most individuals it
has been shown that it accumulates in the body and can be found in
the brain and major organs. Mercury crosses the placenta to the unborn
baby. In England, it is recommended not to place mercury fillings
in pregnant women or to allow pregnant dental staff to work with the
material. Patients concerned about the toxicity of mercury can request
special precautions be taken when the removal of old amalgam fillings
becomes necessary.

Amalgam is un-aesthetic. The black appearance of silver fillings spoils
the smile and makes teeth look grey and discoloured. Nowadays more
and more people care about the way they look and will not accept this
drawback.

Amalgam does not chemically bond to teeth like the more modern materials
do. There is always a microscopic gap between the filling and tooth
which allows saliva and bacteria to leak in from the mouth, leading
to the eventual breakdown of the material.

Some amalgams expand as they set, causing teeth to crack or break.
The wedge-shaped form of amalgam fillings can also lead to this. Because
there is no chemical bond, amalgam does nothing to strengthen teeth.
In addition, metal conducts heat, sometimes causing filled teeth to
become sensitive after treatment.

These are the reasons we do not promote mercury amalgam at this practice.
It must be said most dentists are still comfortable with the use of
the material. If placed carefully amalgam fillings can last a very
long time and are often cheaper than the more modern materials.
It's all a question of choice!