1. Dental Amalgam, Old as Time
Dental amalgam dates back as far as the 1850s and is one of the earliest used materials for fillings. Prior to the use of dental amalgam, gold was used to replace areas eaten away by dental caries. Dental amalgam is used less today than in previous years because of better oral health and newer materials. Brushing, fluoride, sealants and more frequent visits to the dentist prevent large dental cavities and make it feasible to use more inexpensive material to fill them.
2. The Composition of Dental Amalgam
The composition of dental amalgam remains only slightly changed from its original version. Liquid mercury mixes with close to equal amounts of a powered alloy to create dental amalgam. The proportion may vary from 43 to 55 percent liquid mercury and the remainder percentage, the powder. The powder contains varying amounts of tin, silver, sometimes palladium, indium or zinc and copper.
3. Not So Pretty as Ceramic Restoration
Dental amalgam is strong and, therefore, used in places that receive a lot of abuse from biting. It isn't the most attractive so it's not used frequently in front teeth or any place that you can see easily. The use of dental amalgam is appropriate under crowns and other ceramic restoration since the ceramic covers the silvery sheen of the amalgam. It also is a lot less expensive than crowns for those that have to monitor the cost of their dental care.
4. Might be Worse than Tuna for Mercury Poisoning
The mercury in dental amalgam causes worry for some. Each crunch down on the filling may create mercury vapors. Normally the amalgam gives off tiny bits of mercury gas, but excessive chewing and bruxism create even more that the bearer of the filling inhales. While the amount is insignificant, it still is 10 times higher for the person with amalgam fillings than for those with no fillings.
5. Premature Concern?
The Public Health Department looked at all studies and felt that concern over mercury poisoning was premature and not viable. Mercury poisoning creates various symptoms such as autoimmune disorders, neurological problems, mental illness and birth defects, to name a few. The biggest problem posed for dental amalgam users came to those allergic to the mercury or other ingredients. Even though there is no direct danger noted, other materials might replace the mercury filled dental amalgam. At this time, however, nothing except crowns and ceramic additions, are as strong.
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