What is an alloy of mercury with another metal frequently used for dental fillings?

The term "amalgam" refers specifically to a mixture or alloy of mercury with another metal, most commonly silver, tin, or copper. This combination is widely utilized in dentistry for dental fillings due to its excellent durability, resistance to wear, and ability to bond well with tooth structure. Amalgam fillings have been a standard choice for posterior teeth, where the strength and longevity of the material are critical.

In contrast, other materials listed, such as composite, gold, and ceramic, do not meet the criteria of being an alloy of mercury. Composite materials are made of a resin and filler, gold is used in its solid form as a precious metal filling, and ceramics are primarily non-metallic compounds used for their aesthetic properties but are not mixed with mercury. Thus, amalgam is the only fitting answer to the question regarding the dental filling material derived from a mercury alloy.