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Should You Still Use Amalgam Fillings to Restore Your Teeth
You might already be familiar with dental amalgam fillings. They have been the go-to choice for years to repair teeth. People also often refer to these onlays as “silver fillings.” However, this term is not recommended because it does not accurately describe what amalgam contains.
Until one day, they became problematic. Why? Because amalgam fillings contain mercury, a substance known to be highly toxic to the human body. Reading this, you might wonder, “if it’s so toxic, why did people kept on using something like that directly on their teeth?” Here, I’ll discuss all of those details to help you understand all the fuss about amalgam fillings and whether they’re still a good option for fixing your teeth.
Is Dental Amalgam Safe?
Concern about the negative effects of amalgam fillings stems from the discovery of mercury vapor in people’s mouths. However, the amount of mercury your body can absorb is insufficient to cause adverse, let alone lethal, damage.
So, long story short, yes. According to the American Dental Association, multiple scientific studies have shown that dental amalgams are safe for teeth and do not threaten health. Besides, the mercury in water, which can accumulate in fish and cause medical conditions if consumed in large quantities, is not the same as in amalgam fillings.
It’s still very important to talk to your dentist about any specific risks that amalgam fillings could pose. They’ll recommend the best option for your oral health. If you want a professional perspective on this, don’t hesitate to contact a Mexico dentist from our office. We’re here to help you get on the right track to take care of your smile.
What are Amalgam Fillings Made From?
A dental amalgam filling consists of liquid elemental mercury and a powdered alloy of silver, tin, and copper. You may also find elemental mercury in electrical switches or light bulbs. This substance makes up around 50% of dental amalgam. The chemical characteristics of elemental mercury allow it to react with other components, like silver, copper, and tin alloy particles, and attach them to form an amalgam.
How Long Do Amalgam Fillings Last?
Amalgam fillings are long-lasting and protect teeth well, which is one of the main reasons they’ve been around for over a century. This filling should last about 15 years on average before you have to replace them. However, this depends on factors like your daily habits and cleaning routine. For instance, if you grind your teeth or don’t keep up with daily flossing and brushing, the life span of your amalgam fillings will be affected directly, and you might have to replace them sooner.
Benefits of Dental Amalgam
Depending on your oral health and budget, dental amalgams have some perks you can take advantage of. They might be the solution you’re looking for:
- They are more resistant to breaking than other types of dental fillings. Because of this, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods and keep your amalgams for a long time.
- It is better for people at a higher risk of tooth decay and cases where moisture makes other materials, like resins, difficult to adhere to the tooth.
- It’s the most affordable option for fillings.
- It has been the choice to repair decayed teeth for more than 150 years, for hundreds of millions worldwide.
And just like any other treatment, it’s not exempt from having downsides. These filings aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing and are noticeable at first sight. There’s also a list of people who are a little bit more vulnerable to potential mercury risks, and that should avoid getting these filings:
- Pregnant women or if they’re planning on having a baby.
- Children younger than six years old.
- People who have kidney dysfunction.
- People who are allergic to mercury and other metals.
Are There Alternatives to Amalgam?
Treating decay is super essential for your current and future oral health. If fillings end up not being a good fit for your oral health, you can choose from these options
Composite Fillings
Plastic and resin are mixed to make composite fillings. This type of filling is popular because it can be tinted to match the color of your surrounding natural teeth, making it way less noticeable than an amalgam filling. However, these do not last as long. Their lifespan is from five to ten years before you have to replace them.
Ceramic Fillings
These fillings are both durable and natural-looking. They resist stains and can also match the color of your teeth. However, ceramic fillings are more expensive than composite resin fillings. They’re also not recommended for treating large cavities, as they’re more fragile than resin.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These fillings contain glass and acrylic, and glass ionomer fillings are better for children whose teeth are still developing. Glass ionomer fillings only last a few years before cracking or wearing out. Regular glass ionomer does not have the same natural appearance as composite resin. Overall, it’s super important to check with your dentist before making any decision about dental fillings.
