Amalgam Fillings: Safe, Strong, and Affordable
Dental amalgam, or “silver” fillings have been used for more than 150 years to repair cavities. Dentists use dental amalgam because it is safe, strong, long lasting, and affordable.
DENTAL AMALGAM IS SAFE
Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals that includes mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Because it is made with mercury, some people worry about its effects on their health and the environment.
Can dental amalgam affect my health?
When they type of mercury used in dental amalgam is mixed with other metals, it forms a hard material that doesn’t easily break down.
After reviewing many scientific studies, the US Food and Drug Administration found that dental amalgam fillings are safe for adults and children 6 years and older.
Although some people express concern about mercury vapor released from dental amalgam when they chew, the amount released is well below the limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. As with any material used in the body, some people may be at risk of experiencing an allergic reaction. Less than 1% of the people who get amalgam fillings, though, might have an allergic reaction.
What about harm to the environment?
Dental amalgam contributes less than 1% of the mercury in the waste stream. To lower that number, dentists use a device that reduces the amount of amalgam leaving the dental office and entering the public sewage system.
ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL AMALGAM
Dental amalgam is not the only filling material available, but it has certain advantages over other materials, like tooth-colored fillings, for example.
Dental amalgam is easier to place than tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings require the area the dentist is working in to be perfectly dry. This can be challenging for children and people with special needs, whom may have trouble sitting still in the dental chair.
Dental amalgam lasts longer than tooth-colored fillings. A review of several studies found that, compared with dental amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings may be nearly twice as likely to fail.
Dental amalgam is also stronger than tooth-colored fillings. This strength makes dental amalgam fillings a good choice for restoring the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Typically, dental amalgam fillings cost less than tooth-colored fillings.
For 150 years dentists have used dental amalgam. It is safe, strong, and long-lasting material that costs less then other materials.
The best way to reduce the use of amalgam is to take good care of your teeth. Preventing tooth decay would reduce the use of filling materials of any kind.
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