What amalgam is made of
Amalgam is an alloy, a mix of metals. Dentists combine liquid mercury with a powder of silver, tin and copper, which makes a soft paste that is packed into the cavity and sets hard in minutes. The mercury is what lets the powder bind into a paste and then harden.
The set filling is silver-grey, darkens over the years and can tint the tooth around it. It is very hard-wearing, tolerates moisture during placement better than tooth-coloured materials, and has long been used on back teeth that take heavy chewing load. Our guide on types of dental fillings compares it with the alternatives.
The mercury question
Mercury in its pure form is toxic, which is why people worry. In a set amalgam filling, it is locked within the alloy. Small amounts of mercury vapour can be released when a filling is chewed on, drilled or removed, and health authorities have generally concluded that this is not harmful for most people with fillings in place.
That said, mercury is an environmental pollutant, and under an international treaty called the Minamata Convention, many countries are phasing down the use of dental amalgam. Some health authorities also advise using alternatives where possible for pregnant women and young children. If you are pregnant or the filling is for a child, tell the dentist and ask about options.
There is no good reason to have sound amalgam fillings removed only because of the mercury. Removal itself releases vapour and takes away healthy tooth. Our guide on replacing silver fillings covers when replacing one does make sense.
Amalgam compared with tooth-coloured fillings
Amalgam is strong, tolerant of moisture and usually lasts many years. Its drawbacks are appearance, a need to remove slightly more tooth to hold it in place, and the mercury concern above. Tooth-coloured composite blends in and bonds to the tooth, but can be more technique-sensitive and may not suit every large back-tooth cavity.
Which to use depends on the size and position of the cavity, the cost, your preference and the dentist's judgement. For prices, see our page on tooth filling cost in Lucknow. The tooth fillings page explains how fillings work in general.
| Feature | Amalgam | Tooth-coloured composite |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Silver-grey, visible | Matched to the tooth |
| Strength on back teeth | Very strong | Good, depends on cavity size and technique |
| Bonds to the tooth | No, held by shape of the cavity | Yes |
| Mercury | Yes, bound in the alloy | No |
General comparison of the two common filling materials. Your dentist will advise on the right one for a given tooth.
Common questions
Is amalgam banned in India?
Rules on amalgam differ by country and change over time, and many places are reducing its use rather than banning it outright. Ask your dentist what is in current use and what they would recommend for your tooth.
Can an amalgam filling make me ill?
For most people, no. True allergy to a component of amalgam is rare. If you believe a filling is causing symptoms, see your dentist and doctor to look for the real cause before having anything removed.
Why do amalgam fillings turn black?
The metals tarnish over time, and the filling can darken the thin tooth around it so the tooth looks grey. The darkening is cosmetic. A crack or gap around the filling is what matters.
How long does an amalgam filling last?
Often many years, but it varies with the size of the filling, your bite and how well the tooth is cared for. A filling that cracks, chips or lets decay in underneath needs replacing whatever it is made from.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.