Originally Posted By: hotwheels
All amalgams that contain mercury can leach toxic substances, depending last but not least on your personal body chemistry. Amalgams are prettty much cheap and don't last long. Composites also leak toxins. Fillings, inlays, crowns, adhesives all wear down resulkting in the ingestion of toxins. Gold wears the least and has pretty much the best biocompatibility. There are mercury-free amalgams and of course ceramics and glass ionomers. The adhesives are also more or less toxic and wash out.
Your dentist should be able to choose what's right for you. If he dismisses your concerns, dismiss him and move on.
hotwheels
Lot of misinformation here with no scientific documentation to support this position.
Amalgam restorations have been around for many decades with a long history of success. They have a high degree of compressive strength and can last a very long time. They work very well in posterior (back) teeth. Esthetics are minimal. The material does not bond to tooth structure. They are not "cheap", just less expensive.
Composite materials have come a long way. They have sufficient strength to be used in posterior teeth. The material can be bonded to tooth structure. Have a much more natural appearance.
These, and many other materials, have been used for many decades with no epidemiological data to support inherent toxicity.
Use the one that best fits the location, the requirements of the tooth, and your budget. Talk to your dentist. Your dentist should be using his or her diagnostic skills to determine which material best suits the situation and alternatives.