Difference between a Composite and Amalgam Filling?

[melverbr]

What is the difference between the two?, Does one cause less pain in the tooth ? I have two fillings that cause more pain than other ones and I am sure they are composite...can you tell by looking at them? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gordon]

Composite is white, amalgam is silvery/grey coloured.

Composites are much more difficult to do well (so take a lot longer to place) and occasionally can cause more sensitivity afterwards.