The materials used to make dental fillings can be gold, porcelain, composite resin, silver amalgam, or combination. The composite is often referred to as “tooth-coloured” and contains plastic and glass, while silver amalgam contains mercury combined with silver, zinc, tin, and copper. There are many questions regarding using silver amalgam for tooth fillings since they contain mercury. According to studies, mercury released from amalgams has no evidence to pose a health risk for the general population. If the recommended hygiene procedure for mercury is followed, the risk of having an issue with this type of material may be minimal in the dental office. Your dentist can help you decide which type of tooth filling material is safe and best for you.