What Is a Silver Amalgam Dental Filling?

Dental Filling Bowie, MD

Silver amalgam is a kind of dental fillings used to fill tooth cavities resulting from tooth decay. The amalgam comprises metals, mercury, and powdered silver, tin, and copper alloy. By weight, elemental mercury makes up almost half of the dental amalgam. The elemental mercury's chemical characteristics cause it to react and bond with the copper, silver, and tin alloy particles to form an amalgam.

An overview of getting a silver amalgam dental filling

Amalgam dental fillings are often placed in one dental visit. The dentist will remove decay as needed while the tooth is numb, following the administration of a local anesthetic. After that, the area will be completely cleaned and meticulously prepped before the new filling is applied.

The amalgam putty is made by mixing the powdered alloy with liquid mercury by a dentist. Softened amalgam putty is molded and inserted into the cavity before hardening into a firm filling. The filling will be carefully contoured and polished, restoring the form and function of the tooth.

When amalgam fillings are initially placed, it is common to feel sensitive to heat and cold; however, this will decrease after the tooth adjusts the new filling. At the end of the treatment, patients will be given post-treatment instructions. The new fillings will last longer if patients practice good oral care, eat well, and see the dentist regularly.

What to know before getting silver amalgam fillings

There are many kinds of fillings available, and the choice between them is entirely up to the patient and their dentist. One of the most significant advantages of dental amalgam is its strength and durability. It is also one of the most affordable materials, too.

As previously stated, nearly half of dental amalgam is liquid mercury, while the other half is a powdered alloy of tin, silver, and copper. Mercury is primarily utilized to join the alloy particles into a solid, long-lasting filling material. Mercury's peculiar characteristics make it an essential component of dental amalgam, contributing to its long-term durability.

Mercury concerns in silver amalgam

Patients who already have amalgam fillings in excellent shape with no deterioration underneath the filling need not have them removed or changed. Removing amalgam fillings prematurely may result in the loss of good tooth structure and exposure to mercury vapor produced during the procedure. Those who have any concerns about a mercury allergy or sensitivity to other metals in the dental amalgam should talk to the dentist about alternatives.

Since some individuals are allergic to mercury or other components in amalgam, there may be certain drawbacks to utilizing it. Pregnant women are advised to avoid amalgam fillings, but existing amalgam fillings do not require replacement.

The bottom line

The goal of utilizing amalgam dental fillings is to provide patients with a long-lasting, stable, and cost-effective alternative for filling cavities that have developed due to tooth decay or wear. Book an appointment with our dental office today to learn more.

Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Bowie, MD.

Recent Posts

4 Ways To Avoid Getting A Dental Filling

Dental fillings are not enjoyable procedures, however, they are often necessary to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Thankfully, there are a few ways that patients can avoid having to get a dental filling altogether. Want to learn how to avoid getting a dental filling? This article outlines some important information that can be useful when…

The Importance Of Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental visits are incredibly important for maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, many people only visit the dentist when they have a dental emergency or something like a toothache. It is far better to make these appointments on a regular basis to ensure that problems are prevented. This is more economical and allows for better…

A Quick Guide To Determine If You Should Seek Cosmetic Dentistry

Looking for more information on cosmetic dentistry? Great! The more you learn about the cosmetic dental choices available these days, the more informed you will be when it comes to making an ultimate decision. While many people associate cosmetic dental treatments with the need to undergo serious or long-term dental treatments, this is not always…

Cosmetic Dentist Procedures That Will Make You Smile

If you have teeth you are unhappy with, modern cosmetic dentists make it easier than ever before to attain the smile you have always wanted. If you need a self-confidence boost, want a more attractive smile, or are concerned about health risks due to crowded teeth, we can help. We provide a variety of cosmetic…

Recent Posts

What Treatments Are Involved In Periodontics?

What Treatments Are Involved In Periodontics?

Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures that support teeth. They provide a wide range of treatments, from restorative treatments for periodontal disease to cosmetic treatments aimed at improving the aesthetics of a person’s smile.Here are a few of the popular treatments used in periodontics to address…

Teeth Whitening    : What Is The Ideal Shade Of White?

Teeth Whitening 101: What Is The Ideal Shade Of White?

The ideal shade of white targeted during teeth whitening treatments is a few shades lighter than the white of the patient’s eyes. Whitening treatments can make teeth whiter than that, but the results typically would not look natural compared to the rest of the patient’s physical features. Teeth whitening treatments aim to get the patient…