The general consensus is that amalgam fillings are safe. The American Dental Association, the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the FDA, and others support the use of silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost effective. The U.S. Public Health Service says that the only reason not to use silver fillings is when a patient has an allergy to any component of this type of filling. There are numerous options to silver fillings, including composite (tooth-colored), porcelain, and gold restorations. We encourage you to discuss these options with your dentist so you can determine which is the best option for you.