Gamalgamation: current situation.
A review of the historic evolution of gallium alloys and their manipulation characteristics is presented. Although they have similar, or even better, mechanic properties than modern silver amalgams, their use is restricted. This restriction is due to difficulties in their manipulation, their tendency to corrosion, their controversial biocompatibility and the lack of knowledge about gallium's environmental impact. However gallium alloys are still considered as improvable alternatives to silver amalgams.
Biocompatible Materials↗