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Writer's pictureLaticia Gibson

Understand Amalgam Fillings and Safety Procedures



Do you need to get a cavity filled? Your dentist may use a dental amalgam filling to seal it up and halt the rot in its tracks. You may be asking if amalgam filling is safe to put in your mouth after hearing tales about amalgam filling containing mercury worries; this article helps you to find some information about dental amalgam fillings and their safety.

What is it?

One of the most popular materials used to fill cavities used to be dental amalgam. Fillings made of amalgam, sometimes called "silver fillings," have a silver look but are not composed of silver. However, amalgam filling is more adaptable than the more recent materials since they may be utilized in various dental scenarios and endure longer, particularly in teeth subjected to pressure and chewing wear and tear.


Is There are Any Substitutes for Amalgam?

You can talk to your dentist about your options for amalgam substitutes. In addition, amalgams with a high copper content have a lower mercury content.


See your dentist about alternative tooth restoration materials, such as composite resin, porcelain, or gold, if you prefer to avoid amalgam altogether.




Risk Of Amalgam Fillings

Although amalgam is safe, there are a few things to consider before getting an amalgam tooth filling for yourself or your kid.


Venus Vapor

Mercury is the only metal that is fluid at ambient temperature. When inhaled, the vapor it generates can enter the lungs and spread throughout the body, potentially adversely affecting organs like the kidneys and the brain.


At one point, the general assumption was that dental amalgam fillings might be hazardous for everyone and should be replaced with a safer substance despite conflicting research findings regarding safe quantities of the metal.


Intolerants

Specific individuals have allergies to metals like mercury, copper, silver, or tin found in amalgam fillings. Oral lesions, or ulcers in the mouth, are among the side effects of an allergic reaction.


Redox accumulation

"Bioaccumulation" is the term used to describe the progressive build-up of a chemical in human body tissues or organs. It is believed that amalgam fillings contain mercury, which causes this process. However, there isn't enough data to demonstrate that this mercury accumulation causes organ harm.

Amalgam: Is It Safe?

There's no reason to be concerned about the elemental mercury used in amalgam (which we will discuss shortly), despite some concerns expressed in the past. The FDA has reviewed amalgam studies and conducted significant research. Still, it has not identified any reason to restrict the use of amalgam fillings, which are used by millions of individuals.




The benefit of dental amalgam

Dental amalgam are incredibly durable, which makes them great for fillings. This is crucial for cavities in the rear teeth since they must be heavily gritted to chew food. It is also a cost-effective alternative to other fillings so that it can fit into any budget. Furthermore, patients do not need to remain still for extended periods because it hardens rapidly.


The Drawback of dental amalgam

Dental amalgams have many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. The most notable is that they are silver in color. Although it might be concealed in the back teeth, this is seen in the front teeth. However, it would help if you were sure to clean and floss your teeth regularly to avoid the necessity for this altogether. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help ward off cavities and the need for dental amalgams, fillings, and other procedures.


Conclusion

The FDA states, "Releasing proper amalgam fillings results in excessive defeat of healthy tooth configuration and reveals you to additional mercury vapor released during the discarding process." Still, they do not recommend replacing amalgam fillings. Nevertheless, this information should be used outside of advice from your dentist emergency near me.

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