Dental cavities brought on by tooth decay are typically filled with dental amalgam. It has been helping millions of patients suffering from tooth decay regain their beautiful smiles for over a century. Dental amalgam is a blend of various metallic elements. It contains mercury and other metals, including tin, silver, and copper.
Because dental amalgam looks akin to silver, it is commonly called silver amalgam. It does, however, contain elemental mercury despite its name.
Before placing the silver amalgam, the dentist will drill the tooth to remove decay and prepare it to accept it.
Understanding some safety procedures
Supplementing with Chlorella
The dentist may advise the patient to take chlorella 24 hours before the treatment. Mercury is transported to the digestive tract and chlorinated with supplements.
Supplementation of Algin
Algin should be taken within the first twenty-four hours following dental amalgam treatment. It aids in the absorption of any mercury consumed throughout the procedure. Mercury can bind to algin, a non-digestible fiber, and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.
Rubberized Dam
During the dental amalgam process, a rubber dam can be employed to minimize the potential for mercury ingestion. As a result, you must pick a dentist who applies a rubber dam throughout the amalgam dental filling process.
Wrap Every Skin
The dentist will cover your entire skin, including your face, with a mercury-resistant substance. This aids in lowering the exposure level to mercury vapor and dust.
Make a thorough mouth flash with water. Following the Procedure
After the treatment, the patient must rinse their mouth well with water to eliminate any remaining mercury.
Benefits and drawbacks of amalgam fillings
The following are amalgam fillings’ primary benefits:
- Generally speaking, amalgam fillings are less costly than other fillings.
- The procedure is frequently finished in one visit.
- Amalgam fillings are firm and perfect for rear teeth, which bite and chew with the most force.
The drawbacks consist of:
- Amalgam fillings may produce hot and cold sensitivity as your mouth adjusts to the new filling over the first few weeks.
- Amalgam fillings are not recommended for patients allergic to metals since they may react negatively.
- They don’t keep their distance.
Exist Any Substitutes for Amalgam?
You can talk to your dentist about your amalgam silver fillings substitute options. Indium-containing dental amalgam is now available; it helps hold onto the mercury, reducing the likelihood of it escaping the filling. In addition, amalgams with a high copper content have a lower mercury content. Since composite resin is tooth-colored, it may have a more appealing appearance. But unlike amalgam, it wears down more quickly and takes longer to set; thus, it’s only suitable for some applications.
Concluding the matter
Since amalgams are inexpensive, rugged, and long-lasting, they can still be the material of choice for significant back teeth restorations. Alternative materials require less tooth material to be removed, adhere to the neighboring teeth, and have a better appearance than amalgams. For more information, visit the dental walk in near me.