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What is dental amalgam filling?
Dental amalgam, an amalgam filling material, commonly known as silver filling is used to fill teeth cavities. Amalgam is one of the oldest filling materials in use for more than 150 years around the world. Amalgam filling is a combination of metals such as silver, mercury, tin and copper.
Nowadays, your dentist can use materials matching to the tooth colour, to restore teeth. Hence amalgam is used less often now than in the past. Recently, because of the mercury content, the use of amalgam has also raised concerns. Nonetheless, dental amalgam in certain situations, may remain a better choice as it is less costly than other materials and has proven it’s longevity.
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Why is mercury present in amalgam filling?
Approximately 50% of a dental amalgam filling is liquid mercury while the other half is a powder alloy of silver, tin and copper mixture. Mercury binds the alloy particles and creates a compound which is pliable enough to press into the tooth cavity. It then hardens and form a durable and strong filling in a short amount of time, to withstand the biting and chewing forces.
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What should I know about dental amalgam filling?
There are different types of filling materials your dentist can use to treat dental decay. Therefore it’s up to both the patient and the dentist to make the choice.
In amalgam, like most substances, the degree of harm to a person, relates directly to the amount of the substance exposure. Low levels of mercury vapour in dental amalgam can be absorbed into the lungs. However, at low levels, the mercury vapour does not cause any ill effects. At much higher levels, mercury may lead to neurotoxicity with symptoms such as anxiety, memory loss and headaches.
Some people may have allergy or sensitivity to the different components in dental amalgam. Thus, dental amalgam might induce some oral lesions or contact reactions in these individuals. If you have allergy to dental amalgam, you should discuss other treatment options with your dentist.
Is amalgam safe? Should I replace my amalgam fillings?
Millions of people worldwide have amalgam fillings. According to the latest FDA review based on the best available scientific evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. Scientific studies confirm that the use of dental amalgam does not adversely affect health in the human body. Hence, if the amalgam fillings are in good condition and there is no decay underneath, there is no need to remove or replace them. In fact, replacing sound amalgam fillings may lead to unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure as a result of more drilling being done.
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, the best dental filling is none at all. However, there is no need to be worried if you have amalgam fillings in your teeth. Evidence based reviews show there are no adverse effects on your health. Should you have any concern about your oral health , talk with your dentist about what is best for you.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
