What is Amalgam Filling? What are its advantages?
What is Amalgam Filling?
Amalgam fillings are a filling material that has been widely used in dentistry for years. This filling, which is usually silver in color, is made from a mixture of materials such as mercury, silver, tin and copper. Amalgam fillings are known for their strength and durability, so they are usually preferred in the back teeth and chewing surfaces. Offering both aesthetic and functional advantages, amalgam fillings maintain their popularity with their longevity and strong structure, although they do not mimic the natural structure of the tooth.
Amalgam fillings are a filling material commonly used to treat tooth decay.
What is an Amalgam Filling?
Amalgam fillings are a commonly used filling material to treat tooth decay. This silver-colored filling is made up of a mixture of metals such as mercury, silver, tin, and copper. It is especially preferred for back teeth because it is durable and long-lasting. Amalgam fillings are applied after the decayed tooth is cleaned and drained and harden quickly. However, since it creates an aesthetically unpleasant appearance, composite or porcelain fillings are usually preferred for front teeth. While amalgam fillings are known for their durability and low cost, they can cause some health concerns due to the mercury they contain.
How Are Amalgam Fillings Made?
The amalgam filling begins with the dentist cleaning the decayed area of the tooth. First, the decayed area is carefully scraped away, preserving the healthy part of the tooth. Then, the amalgam material is prepared as a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. This material is placed inside the tooth and pressed firmly. The tooth is shaped and made compatible with the natural tooth structure.
What are the Advantages of Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings are filling materials that have been widely used in dental treatment for many years and have many advantages. They are often preferred in the treatment of caries in the posterior part of the tooth, because these fillings are known for their durability and offer various practical advantages. The advantages of amalgam fillings are as follows:
- Durability: Amalgam fillings are much more durable than other filling materials. It is very strong against the pressure during chewing, so it can be used safely for many years, especially in the back teeth.
- Fast Application: Amalgam fillings can be applied more quickly compared to other filling types. After cleaning the decay, the dentist places the amalgam material in a short time and allows it to harden.
- Less Allergic Reaction: Amalgam fillings carry less risk of allergic reactions than some other materials. The metal components in its content are tolerated by most people.
- Provides Sealing: Amalgam fillings fit well into the tooth and provide a complete seal. This feature prevents the recurrence of tooth decay and increases the effectiveness of the treatment process.
- Heat Resistant: Amalgam fillings are resistant to heat. This feature is a great advantage for hot and cold foods not to damage the tooth.
- Protects the Structure of the Tooth: Amalgam fillings help to restore the tooth in a solid way. It successfully treats caries without disturbing the natural structure of the tooth.
Who is Amalgam Filling Not Suitable for?
Amalgam filling may not be suitable for some people due to its mercury content. Individuals who are allergic to mercury may react negatively to amalgam fillings, so alternative filling materials should be preferred. In addition, amalgam fillings are not suitable for people who have aesthetic concerns and want to have fillings especially in their front teeth, because these fillings are silver-coloured and do not match the natural tooth colour. In special cases such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, some physicians may not recommend the use of mercury-containing fillings. Therefore, the health status and needs of the person should be taken into consideration before the amalgam filling is applied.
What are the Disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings are durable filling materials that have been widely used in dentistry for many years. However, as with every treatment option, amalgam fillings also have some disadvantages. These disadvantages are usually related to aesthetic concerns, health risks and changes in the filling over time. Here are the disadvantages of amalgam fillings:
- Aesthetic Concerns: The biggest disadvantage of amalgam fillings is that they do not present an aesthetically pleasing appearance due to their silver colour.
- May Damage Tooth Structure: Amalgam fillings require a large part of the tooth to be cleaned while filling the tooth.
- Allergic Reactions: Although very rare, allergic reactions may develop to the metal components in amalgam fillings.
- Risk of Cracking: After the amalgam fillings harden, it may cause stretching and cracking where it joins the tooth over time.
- Masks Tooth Decay: Amalgam fillings do not completely heal decay on the inside of the tooth and may prevent the decay underneath from being noticed.
What is the Life Span of Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings usually last between 10 and 15 years. This period may vary depending on the care of the tooth, chewing habits and oral hygiene. Regular tooth brushing, flossing and dental check-ups can prolong the life of the fillings. However, over time, abrasions, cracks or discolouration of the tooth structure around amalgam fillings may occur. In addition, excessively vigorous chewing or clenching habits can also cause fillings to wear or deteriorate earlier. Therefore, the lifespan of amalgam fillings varies depending on personal care and oral health, but with proper care, they can remain functional for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What is Amalgam Filling?
Yes, amalgam fillings can be removed. However, since there is a risk of damaging the structure of the tooth during removal, it should be done carefully by the dentist.
After amalgam filling, food should not be eaten before the filling is completely hardened. However, normal eating habits can be resumed within a few hours.
Amalgam fillings can weaken the structure of the tooth because a large part of the tooth is removed due to decay. However, amalgam fillings are long-lasting because they fill the tooth solidly.
Amalgam filling procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. However, a slight sensitivity may be observed after the procedure.
Although very rare, some people may have allergic reactions to the metals contained in amalgam fillings. In this case, alternative filling materials can be used.
The mercury contained in amalgam fillings is securely fixed inside the tooth after the fillings are placed. However, mercury vapours can be released if the fillings break or erode.
Amalgam fillings are not aesthetically compatible with teeth due to their silver colour. For this reason, it is generally preferred for the back teeth, not the front teeth.
Yes, amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury. Mercury is a component that allows the filling to harden.
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