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Among dentists, talking about amalgam can be like being a Republican or Democrat in America... It divides opinion..!

Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals used for filling cavities, typically made of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The use of dental amalgam has been a topic of debate for many years, with some studies suggesting that it may release small amounts of mercury vapour, leading to potential health risks such as neurological and kidney damage. However, the majority of dental and medical organisations consider dental amalgam to be safe, based on extensive research and long-term studies. The topic is complex and ongoing..

Our particular view is that amalgam has been superseded by other tooth coloured materials. Amalgam is ugly... It turns black over the years and doesn't provide any bond to tooth-structure making it at higher risk of fracture. We dislike it on cosmetic & bonding grounds.. As a result we don't offer it in the clinic. 

Having said that, It is a cheaper material and doesn't require the same skills to apply so is popular in NHS style clinics. If you would like to get it there are many places it is still available and it can last a long time.