[Amalgam: yesterday and today].

Recently some reports claim that mercury released from amalgam fillings cause adverse effect to the patient. Mercurial toxicity is a risk for dental personnel but it is completely preventable by using proper mercury hygiene. From the side of the patients, amount of mercury released from amalgam fillings is far to cause any adverse effect. The claims don't have scientific support. Hypersensitivity reactions to amalgam fillings are exceedingly rare. There is no alternative to dental amalgam in the posterior region and routine use of composite as an amalgam substitute can not be endorsed. Besides, when considered improved corrosion resistance and marginal endurance with high-copper types, amalgam is an effective and useful material.