Published online May 20, 2015. doi: 10.5321/wjs.v4.i2.35
Peer-review started: January 7, 2015
First decision: January 20, 2015
Revised: February 2, 2015
Accepted: April 27, 2015
Article in press: April 30, 2015
Published online: May 20, 2015
Processing time: 136 Days and 3.7 Hours
Silver amalgam contains mercury leading to concerns about the potential toxic effects of amalgam on the health of dental patients. The debate over the toxicity of silver amalgam restorations has divided the dental profession for over a century. The use of amalgam restorations for anterior teeth have been declining worldwide due to patient’s safety concerns and preference for tooth colored restorations. Nevertheless, amalgam has served the dental profession for decades and benefited hundreds of millions of patients because of its longevity as a dental restorative material. Amalgam is still the World’s most widely used restorative material for posterior teeth.
Core tip: This editorial highlights the importance of silver amalgam restoration in restorative dentistry.