Metal, or amalgam, fillings have been used in dentistry for over 100 years. They are a safe, affordable, and long lasting treatment for repairing cavities in teeth. In recent years, there have been concerns raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings. Studies show that the tiny amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings doesn’t cause illness to patients, and they continue to be used in dentistry to repair teeth. If you have concerns about amalgam fillings, you may want to ask your dentist about composite fillings as an alternative treatment.