The use of silver amalgam (the old metal fillings) has now been replaced by composite materials which, due to their adhesive characteristics, allow a less extensive preparation of the dental cavity than the use of amalgam.

We no longer use silver amalgam as tooth reconstruction material: apart from the imperfection of the metal reconstruction, there are currently doubts about the alleged harmfulness of this material, or rather, of one of its components: mercury.    The suspicion is that mercury, especially in the first days following the filling, is released in the form of ions, spreading throughout the body.

Modern composite materials are aesthetic since they consist of an organic matrix (resin) – which gives plasticity and adaptability within the cavity – and an inorganic part (ceramic and glass) which gives strength, resistance to abrasion and the shine. Their key benefit is that they chemically bond to the tooth structure, providing additional support and decreasing the marginal gap that promotes the colonization of bacteria and raises the risk of secondary tooth decay. There is, however, a risk of subsequent shrinkage that can result in gap development. Light emitting diode of specific wavelength is used for setting the fillings.