A dental amalgam filling is the most common procedure to deal with cavities resulting from dental decay. Amalgam is a stable alloy made from elemental mercury, copper, tin, and silver. The fillings are silver in colour, also called silver fillings, but this term can be misleading. You can get amalgam fillings from any of the best dental clinics near you.
About the procedure
Amalgam fillings fill the gaps created in the teeth from decay. Cavities can feel very uncomfortable and be painful also. As the hole grows, it causes acute toothache and sensitivity. Amalgam fillings are more affordable and have been used for more than 150 years. You can visit the best dentist in Mysore to get quality amalgam fillings.
Who qualifies for getting amalgam fillings?
Dentists may ask anyone with cavities to get amalgam fillings if they prefer it to the other alternatives. The Food and Drug Administration states that amalgam fillings are safe for anyone over 6.
Amalgam fillings take less time to set and are, therefore, better for children and those with special needs who cannot sit still for long. However, the best dentists in Mysore will advise the following groups of people to avoid amalgam fillings:
- Pregnant and nursing women
- People with existing neurological diseases and kidney ailments
- People who are sensitive to the metals used in the amalgam
Why do people get amalgam fillings?
Dentists at the best dental hospitals near you won’t always recommend using amalgam fillings on a cavity. Generally, when the dentists remove the decayed portion to stem the further spread, they use fillers. Doctors might suggest fluoride treatments and sealants if the cavity is at an early stage. If the cavity is painful, the filling can help reduce it.
How the procedure is conducted
The procedure of placing amalgam fillings takes place with a sedative. The dentist starts by drilling into the tooth to remove the decayed portions. Then the amalgam putty is formed from the mixed metal powder and liquid mercury. The putty is placed inside the carved-out gap in the teeth and allowed to set while being smoothened.
Benefits
Filling cavities with amalgam has many benefits:
- The fillings are long-lasting compared to other options like composite fillings, primarily when performed by the best dental surgeons.
- Amalgam takes hold faster and is helpful for situations where moisture may prevent other materials from acting quickly.
- Fillings can make fractured teeth stronger and keep them from breaking further.
- Fillings prevent further decay.
- They also help reduce sensitivity and protect the teeth.
Risks or Complications
Amalgam contains mercury which is well-known for its toxicity. There were concerns for many years about the safety of amalgam fillings. Though amalgam is very stable, it can release low levels of vapours that can be inhaled. There is not enough data about the ill effects of long-term ingestion of these metals. Thus, dental specialists in Mysore exercise caution in offering a choice of fillings.
With proper care, amalgam fillings can last for more than a decade. On average, they tend to last about ten years, less if you have a habit of teeth grinding.
Amalgam fillings are more durable than composite fillings; however, composite fillings match the natural colour of your teeth. Depending on your needs, a dental doctor near you will recommend the best option.
Cavities tend to happen even to those who maintain good dental hygiene. It is not uncommon to have 2-5 cavities. They will be smaller, though, and can be more easily reversed.
