Amalgam has successfully been used as a restorative
material in dentistry for over a century. It
has proven to be a cost-effective, wear-resistant
material which, when properly placed, can provide
many years of service. However, amalgam’s
popularity has decreased in recent years due, in
part, to patient concerns about its potential for
adversely affecting their health. Other reasons
for its reduced use include the increased emphasis
on more esthetic restorative materials and
environmental concerns regarding the amount of
mercury discharged into wastewater from dental
offices. Controversy persists about amalgam’s
possible role in causing health problems due to
its release of mercury. Although conclusive evidence
is lacking that directly correlates amalgam
with adverse health effects, clinicians should
remain knowledgeable about mercury release
from amalgam in order to intelligently address
their patients’ concerns. This article reviews the
latest published scientific literature to provide
this information.