Types of Dental Restorations: Amalgam
When a tooth has decayed or has been fractured the tooth needs to be restored to optimal health and function. Tooth decay is an infection that requires the bacteria and infected portion of the tooth be removed and a filling material used to regain the natural shape and function of the tooth. In most instances, a fractured tooth also needs to be restored to optimal shape and function.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other public health organizations have investigated the safety of amalgam used in dental fillings. The conclusion: no valid scientific evidence has shown that amalgams cause harm to patients with dental restorations, except in rare cases of allergy. The World Health Organization reached a similar conclusion stating, “Amalgam restorations are safe and cost effective.”
Dental amalgam is a self-hardening mixture of silver-tin-copper alloy powder and liquid mercury and is sometimes referred to as a silver filling because of its color.
Advantages
- Durable; long lasting
- Wears well; holds up well to the forces of biting
- Relatively inexpensive
- Generally completed in one visit
- Self-sealing; minimal-to-no shrinkage and resists leakage.
- Resistance to further decay is high, but can be difficult to find in early stages
- Frequency of repair and replacement is low
Disadvantages
- Gray colored, not tooth colored
- May darken as it corrodes; may stain tooth over time
- Requires removal of some healthy tooth material
- In larger amalgam fillings, the remaining tooth may weaken and fracture
- Because metal can produce hot and cold temperatures, there may be a temporary sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Contact with other metals may cause occasional, minute electrical flow.
The Dental Board of California has created a Dental Materials Fact Sheet which will provide information regarding all of the filling materials utilized in dentistry today and will aid in each person’s decision on which material to use for themselves and their children.
Contact Dr. Beap today to schedule an appointment.
