Amalgam is the most extensively used material in dentistry. There have been no clinical trials of this substance and there are no epidemiological studies that allow any conclusions on the safety of amalgam fillings. Amalgam restorations continuously emit mercury vapour, which is absorbed in considerable quantities via the lungs. Most scientific reports showed that amalgam fillings are safe and could be used in human to fill cavities, while some other reports and studies concluded that amalgam restorations are harmful for health and suggests that individuals with unusually high emission of mercury from amalgam fillings are at risk. Many dentists remove of amalgam fillings every day, with no regard for the possible mercury exposure that can result from grinding them out. Big caution and preventive procedures must be adopted when removing amalgam fillings to protect both dental operators and patients.

Keywords: Amalgam, Amalgam restorations, amalgam fillings