We use primarily tooth-colored composite fillings for both front and back teeth in our practice; however there are certain circumstances in which silver amalgam fillings may be recommended. Both of these types of materials have been thoroughly tested and are considered safe materials by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA).(See article here)
With composite fillings, the exact color of a patient's tooth can be matched so that the filling is not readily visible in the patient's mouth. In the past, composite fillings were not considered a good treatment option for back teeth because the properties of the material would not allow them to last very long before needing to be replaced. However with advances in dental materials and close attention to technique by the dentist and staff, these fillings have become as dependable as traditional amalgam fillings in the back teeth for most situations.