Dental Amalgam

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Dental Amalgam

Amalgam dental restorations which are also known as silver fillings are the number one choice for restoring teeth. These silver fillings have been used for over a hundred years to fill in cavities where there has been decay. The question many have is “what is dental amalgam?” Dental amalgam is a mixture of materials containing powdered alloy, metals and mercury. There have been some concerns, however about the safety of this mercury containing filling material. According to the Food and Drug Administration, amalgam is in the same class as gold and composite fillings and does not pose the safety concerns as once thought. Compared to other dental materials, it is the “most studied and tested.” (NCAHF) Some dentists use silver filling material as opposed to composite to restore teeth because this metal filling material is durable, relatively safe and can be placed where moisture control is an issue.

There are many reasons to use amalgam and one of the best reasons is the durability of this material. Amalgam is very pliable and can withstand the wear and tear of chewing on the posterior teeth, such as molars. In some patients, amalgam fillings have been in place for many years without cracking or leaking. “A seventeen-year long study published in 2003 found a significantly higher survival time for extensive amalgam restorations than for extensive composite restorations.” The use of amalgam is very common for pediatric dentists to use on children and shows to be a “viable and safe choice for dental patients”. Another plus for using amalgam is used where there is severe tooth damage. Occasionally, it is used by some dentists for crown build ups. A crown build up is when material has to be added to a tooth because th...

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Web Site

Web link "Dental Amalgam Use and Benefits." Dept. of Health and Human Services Centers

for Disease Control. Dept. of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease

Control, 28 May 2010. Web. 20 Mar. 2011. publications/factsheets/amalgam.htm#3>. 0 New Edit Copy Delete

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Journal

Web link Soncini, Jennifer Ann, et al. "The Longevity of Amalgam versus Compomer/

Composite Restorations in Posterior Primary and Permanent Teeth."

Journal of the American Dental Association 138 (June JUNE, 2007):

763-772. JADA. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. .

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