The future of dental amalgam: a review of the literature. Part 1: Dental amalgam structure and corrosion

This is the first article in a series of seven on the future of dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is still the most useful restorative material for posterior teeth and has been used successfully for over 100 years. The history of dental amalgam since its introduction in 1819 and the controversies about its use between 1834 and today are described. The composition of the various dental amalgams in clinical use today are then reported. It finally covers the corrosion of amalgams since this is the means by which metals, including mercury, can be released