Amalgam in the restoration of posterior teeth.

The use of aesthetic restorative materials such as cast ceramic, porcelain, and composite resin for the restoration of posterior teeth has increased in recent years, but amalgam remains the most frequently used material. Although stories in the media recently renewed the debate over amalgam safety, amalgam has remained in the armamentarium of the average clinician in large part because of its long positive clinical history, beneficial physical properties, and forgiving handling characteristics.