Metal points of silver were popular for filling curved and narrow canals in which gutta-percha point could buckle and not reach the apex. Their popularity was enhanced by the strong x-ray contrast, which invariably created the impression of a well-filled canal (see illustration).
Silver points have come into disrepute mainly because of an assumed association between corrosion of the points and periapical pathosis. With improved methods for canal preparation prior to obturation, they no longer offer any advantage in clinical situations and may safely be discarded from th armamentarium.