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Fillings Amalgam fillings Amalgam filling material is made of an alloy of different metals, mainly silver and mercury. Current research continues to show no health risks associated with amalgam fillings, and amalgam is still a very useful filling material. However, its use is now being superseded by the more aesthetic 'natural shade' composite filling materials. This photograph shows an 'ageing' amalgam filling. (Courtesy of www.dentistry2000.com) Natural shade composite fillings Composite filling material is made up of very small quartz-like particles, embedded in a plastic matrix. Since they bond to the tooth, composite fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth, as well as restoring its natural appearance. Composites often require less removal of tooth structure, especially with new cavities. This photograph shows the same tooth with the amalgam filling having been replaced with a composite filling. (Courtesy of www.dentistry2000.com)