Dental caries should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent damage to dental and oral health. When these caries are cleaned, a cavity appears. Dentists sometimes prefer to close this cavity with amalgam filling. Amalgam, also known as silver fillings, can make many patients uneasy due to its mercury content. The 40% to 50% mercury that makes up amalgam, is an extremely durable filling material. Although not preferred very often today due to the advancement in dentistry, these fillings still prevent tooth loss and can be used in the long term.

What Is Amalgam Filling?

Amalgam is a type of filling that has been preferred by dentists for 150 years to fill the cavity formed after the decay in the teeth is cleaned. Amalgam fillings are obtained by combining elements such as copper, tin, or zinc with mercury. These fillings, also known as silver fillings, are silver in color and visible from the outside. For this reason, the use of amalgam has gradually decreased over time. Because today, treatments are carried out with fillings that are exactly the same color and compatible with natural teeth.

Because of the fact that amalgam is stronger than other filling materials, it prevents tooth erosion. Although its widespread use is decreasing, it is still preferred by a large number of people because of its affordable cost.

Is Amalgam Filling Harmful For Human Health?

amalgam dolgu zararlı mı

Since amalgam contains mercury, people have the belief that this filling is harmful to health. Contrary to popular belief, the harm of this type of filling is extremely small. In 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that amalgam fillings do not pose any danger to adults and children over the age of 6. In the study, it was stated that the mercury contained in the amalgam is not at a rate that will adversely affect human health.

The United Nations Public Health Service also reported that the filling does not cause serious health problems in humans, except for rare allergic reactions. No link has been found between amalgam fillings and threats to human health.

The amount of mercury that the patient is exposed to in this type of filling is too low to affect their health. For this reason, mercury, which is toxic for humans under normal conditions, does not threaten health when used in small amounts and when combined with other metals.

You can check out: Composite Filling

Amalgam Fillings Removal: Why Is It Done?

Amalgam filling removal is commonly preferred due to damage to the filling after years or the onset of tooth decay. In addition to these, patients who are not comfortable with the appearance of the filling over time also prefer filling removal.

There is a point to be considered in amalgam filling removal: The filling must not be removed arbitrarily. In other words, if there is no decay under the filling or if the filling is not worn and broken, it is not recommended to have it removed. This is because there is a high risk of damaging the intact tooth when trying to remove the filling.

Removing a filling is a challenging procedure. Therefore, if there is no problem with your health and you do not have an allergic reaction to the filling, it would not be a sensible option to have the filling removed just because you believe it is harmful to your health.

If you feel that the amalgam filling is harmful to your health, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

Amalgam Filling Removal: How Is It Done?

amalgam dolgu çıkarılması
amalgam filling removal

Mercury that is contained in amalgam filling can be harmful to human health when swallowed or directly inhaled. Therefore, dentists and assistants should be sensitive during the amalgam fillings removal procedure.

  • Before starting the procedure, a special solution is applied to neutralize the mercury. In this way, the patient's mouth can be cleaned entirely.
  • During filling removal, the interaction of the patient and the physician with mercury is minimized. Therefore, machines with strong suction power are used.
  • The environment where the procedure takes place is well-ventilated. Ventilation systems with filters are used or the windows of the room are opened.
  • The patient's mouth is protected with a material called "rubber dam". This material must be placed so that it completely covers the patient's mouth, and protects them from any danger.
  • The filling, which should be kept cold during the procedure, is removed in large pieces in order not to disperse. The patient is given air to avoid being affected by mercury.
  • The condition of the physician and assistants is as important as the patient's health. Therefore, they should also wear protective clothing.

You can read: Inlays and Onlays

Advantages Of Amalgam Filling

Here are some advantages of amalgam fillings;

  • It is much more durable than other filling types. It can be preferred especially for the back teeth. It can be used between 15-20 years when oral health is taken care of.
  • Its cost is lower than other filling types. It is the most budget-friendly filling type.
  • It is easy to apply, polish, and clean after it is adhered to the teeth.

Disadvantages Of Amalgam Filling

Here are some disadvantages of amalgam fillings;

  • Because of its silver color, it disturbs the patient in terms of appearance.
  • Both the patient and the doctor need to take special precautions in its removal. Therefore, the cost of the filling's removal can be high.
  • It may cause health problems when swallowed. In this case, the dentist should be consulted immediately.
  • Although rare, it may cause allergic reactions.

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FAQ

How long does an amalgam filling last?

Amalgam filling is distinguished from other fillings by its longevity because it can maintain its durability for a very long time. Although it is not preferred very often today due to its silver color, these fillings can be used for 15 to 20 years when oral and dental care is provided regularly.

Why people do not prefer amalgam fillings any longer?

There are several different reasons why amalgam filling is not preferred very often today: The first one of these is that it is visible from the outside and disturbs the patient. For this reason, fillings that are completely compatible with tooth color and structure, such as composite fillings, which are not noticeable from the outside, have started to be preferred more frequently. The second one is the spread of false statements that amalgam filling is harmful to human health.

What happens if amalgam filling is swallowed?

Like any other fillings, amalgam filling can sometimes fall out or be swallowed as well. A dentist should be consulted immediately after this kind of incidents. Swallowing the filling may cause fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of strength, vomiting, and diarrhea.