These options include:

• Dental amalgam, a compound of mercury and other metals that often is called a silver filling because of its appearance. Dental amalgam is the most thoroughly researched and tested restorative material. It is durable, easy to use, tough and inexpensive.
• Composite fillings, a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glass-like particles that produce a tooth-coloured restoration. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid-size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed, requiring a smaller filling than that of an amalgam.
• Gold alloys, containing gold, copper and other metals that result in a strong, effective filling. Primarily used for inlays, onlays, crowns and fixed bridges, these alloys are highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. – (HealthDayNews)