Silver amalgam is a kind of dental fillings used to fill tooth cavities resulting from tooth decay. The amalgam comprises metals, mercury, and powdered silver, tin, and copper alloy. By weight, elemental mercury makes up almost half of the dental amalgam. The elemental mercury's chemical characteristics cause it to react and bond with the copper, silver, and tin alloy particles to form an amalgam.
Amalgam dental fillings are often placed in one dental visit. The dentist will remove decay as needed while the tooth is numb, following the administration of a local anesthetic. After that, the area will be completely cleaned and meticulously prepped before the new filling is applied.
The amalgam putty is made by mixing the powdered alloy with liquid mercury by a dentist. Softened amalgam putty is molded and inserted into the cavity before hardening into a firm filling. The filling will be carefully contoured and polished, restoring the form and function of the tooth.
When amalgam fillings are initially placed, it is common to feel sensitive to heat and cold; however, this will decrease after the tooth adjusts the new filling. At the end of the treatment, patients will be given post-treatment instructions. The new fillings will last longer if patients practice good oral care, eat well, and see the dentist regularly.
There are many kinds of fillings available, and the choice between them is entirely up to the patient and their dentist. One of the most significant advantages of dental amalgam is its strength and durability. It is also one of the most affordable materials, too.
As previously stated, nearly half of dental amalgam is liquid mercury, while the other half is a powdered alloy of tin, silver, and copper. Mercury is primarily utilized to join the alloy particles into a solid, long-lasting filling material. Mercury's peculiar characteristics make it an essential component of dental amalgam, contributing to its long-term durability.
Patients who already have amalgam fillings in excellent shape with no deterioration underneath the filling need not have them removed or changed. Removing amalgam fillings prematurely may result in the loss of good tooth structure and exposure to mercury vapor produced during the procedure. Those who have any concerns about a mercury allergy or sensitivity to other metals in the dental amalgam should talk to the dentist about alternatives.
Since some individuals are allergic to mercury or other components in amalgam, there may be certain drawbacks to utilizing it. Pregnant women are advised to avoid amalgam fillings, but existing amalgam fillings do not require replacement.
The goal of utilizing amalgam dental fillings is to provide patients with a long-lasting, stable, and cost-effective alternative for filling cavities that have developed due to tooth decay or wear. Book an appointment with our dental office today to learn more.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandviewdentalcolorado.com or call Grandview Dental at (303) 997-0232 for an appointment in our Aurora office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Aurora, CO.
Tooth-colored dental fillings are the popular way to fill up cavities these days. Silver amalgam fillings have been the norm for the past 150 years, but a lot has changed since better alternatives emerged. Silver amalgam fillings contain mercury which is now known to be toxic to the body. It also has a grey color…
Before we get into our discussion of the materials used for dental fillings, it is important to know what they are used for. Fillings are used to replace parts of teeth that have been affected by cavities, cracks, or damage from nail-biting or teeth grinding. There are various materials that fillings are made of. Read…
Millions of dental filling procedures are done yearly in the United States. With it being so common, there are bound to be times when fillings will come loose, crack, or dislodge from the tooth. You may be wondering what the symptoms are and what to do if it happens to you.Dental fillings, also called restorations,…
Learning about your options for tooth fillings is a great idea. No longer do you have to settle for the traditional metal fillings; instead, you now have the ability to choose the type of tooth filling you want for treating your tooth cavities. According to the American Dental Association, when it comes to having a…
There has been a lot of talk about dental implants in recent years. Dentists recommend them, and patients benefit from the results of the treatment. Implants restore the full function of the mouth and revitalize smiles. People can enjoy newfound self-esteem and the self-image and health they have been looking for. You may wonder whether…
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…