What is an Amalgam Filling?
Amalgam filling is basically a multi-metal mixture comprising silver, tin, copper, and mercury that is employed in the manufacturing of dental fillings. It is a type of plastic that has been the patient’s choice for over a hundred years due to its incredible resistance and strength. If there is a minimum injured area in a tooth of a patient, the dentist, after extraction, restores the original structure of the tooth with the help of this amalgam metal packing. The special properties of amalgam allow it to absorb the full impact of grooving, thus making it common to use amalgam fillings for the back teeth.
Even though this is a very old-fashioned method, amalgam fillings still exist in the shadow of controversy, mainly due to the mercury element in amalgam. Mercury is a poisonous material that can give off tiny quantities of vapor over time, thereby causing worries about its effect on human health. Meanwhile, the majority of dental doctors think that it is a safe thing to have amalgam fillings in the mouth due to the low level of mercury release. Still, there is a portion of patients who would rather not get amalgam fillings but go for aesthetic treatments like porcelain veneers or dental implants instead.
How Are Amalgam Fillings Made?
Amalgam fillings are made by combining powdered metals and liquid mercury. This creates a paste-like material that can be easily shaped and molded to the given cavity. Inserting the filling into the tooth, it will set within a few minutes and will have enough strength to endure the pressure of mastication and incising.
Filling the tooth with amalgam demands perfect timing, and the dentist has a great job of doing it. After the amalgam is installed, it bonds with the tooth’s structure, hence offering a very safe and stable restoration. Slowly, the filling will begin to reflect the temperature of the mouth, causing the possibility of small cracks and leaks as well as the feeling of loss of grip. However, although there is a possibility of wear and tear over time, amalgam fillings have been chosen as a solution of longevity and resistance to mastication by many people.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings?
Advantages:
Amalgam fillings have been at the forefront in terms of their strong and sturdy nature for many years. Their strong and lasting nature makes those kinds of fillings suitable for such parts of the mouth as the molar zone or so-called back teeth, where the heavy chewing process is performed. Everybody would agree that amalgam’s durability is one of the main advantages; as a matter of fact, these fillings can endure up to 10-15 years or even more with proper care. Furthermore, fillings with amalgam are lower in price to a large extent compared to other fillings, thus making them a cost-effective alternative for numerous patients.
Another point is that amalgam fillings have good resistance to wear and tear, hence it is unlikely for their parts to be broken or cracked due to wear of the filling. The material is also easy to handle, and in case it is implanted, the patient can go on with the use of the treated tooth instance after the operation since it hardens quickly.
Disadvantages:
However, amalgam fillings are aesthetically not that good because of their silver-grey color, which is even more pronounced in the front teeth area. This has made many patients switch to composite fillings that look exactly like natural teeth and are therefore hardly noticeable.
Moreover, the fact that there is mercury in amalgam fillings has become an issue for some people. The mercury used in amalgam, on the other hand, is claimed to be safe by the dental associations, but there is still some debate about its long-term effects, particularly if fillings get degraded by time. Some individuals may also get allergic reactions or feel sensitive to the metals in amalgam. Besides, if the filling gets cracked or wears out, it can allow bacteria that will lead to further decay, and thus, removal or replacement will be required.
What are the Symptoms of Amalgam Filling Poisoning?
While the majority of dental specialists maintain their position that amalgam fillings are quite safe for most patients, there is still a lingering concern about the mercury exposure. Gradually, mercury vapor can be emitted from amalgam fillings, specifically when the fillings are old or damaged. In uncommon situations, this may result in mercury poisoning, which in turn might bring along symptoms like headaches, dizziness, tiredness, irritability, and memory problems.
On top of that, the point that should be taken into consideration is that the mercury levels which result from amalgam fillings are very low in most cases, and that they are not sufficient to cause any harm to humans. Regarding your concern, it is highly encouraged to consult a dentist who will not only check the condition of your fillings but also give you information about the alternatives, such as composite or porcelain fillings. Moreover, dental veneers or implants at Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul might be the perfect solution if you are looking for a healthier and more aesthetic way.
How Are Amalgam Fillings Removed?
There is a need for extreme care in the procedure of the removal of amalgam fillings so as to prevent the release of mercury vapor during the process. Dentists use protective equipment, and a rubber dam is one of them to separate the tooth being treated and make sure that the patient does not get any mercury vapor through the nose or mouth. Then the dentist will do the job with a special instrument which is used to remove the filling, only he will do it in a very gentle way, and along with that step, he/she will cool down the part where the removal takes place to avoid overheating or friction.
It is necessary to remove the amalgam filling first. The cavity is then cleaned thoroughly and prepared to be filled with a new filling. Most of the patients choose composite resins or porcelain to replace their filling. These materials are not only more aesthetically pleasing but also safer as they do not contain mercury. In case you want a more durable and natural solution, dental veneers and implants will give you an excellent choice not only in terms of functionality but also in terms of appearance.
Our competent staff at Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul is at your service to present you with various alternatives to amalgam fillings; thus, they provide you with a beautiful and healthy smile without the dangers resulting from mercury. We provide thorough and precise care in describing the best achievements for each patient, especially their needs and expected results.
FAQ: What is an Amalgam Filling?
Most dental organizations consider amalgam fillings safe. However, some individuals still choose not to have them because of the mercury content. For those who want a more beautiful or biologically compatible solution, maybe porcelain veneers or dental implants will be better.
In general, amalgam fillings are not banned in most countries. Yet, some people decide not to use these products, especially with the availability of new alternatives like composite resins and porcelain fillings, which are gaining more popularity.
The best dental filling solution, healthwise, is based on the patient’s requirements. Those who are worried about mercury may find composite fillings or porcelain veneers more suitable, as these are considered safer. These materials are biocompatible and do not consist of any harmful substances.
Because of their solidity, amalgam fillings are very reliable, can last 10-15 years, or even more, depending on the placement of the filling and the person’s oral hygiene habits.
It is because mercury helps in dental amalgam that all the other metals get connected, and the resulting material is a strong and long-lasting one. Over the years, there have been lots of nagging questions about the toxicity of mercury, but the amount of it in an amalgam, if any, is extremely minimal, and the material is regarded as quite safe for most people when used as a filling. Although some individuals still opt for other materials that enable them to have the tranquility of conscience.
