Dental amalgam is a filling material used by dentists for over 150 years. It is made of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Despite being a popular choice for filling teeth, dental amalgam has become a controversial topic in recent years due to concerns over the potential health risks associated with its use. In this article, we will explore the history, composition, benefits, risks, and alternatives to dental amalgam.
History of Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam was first introduced in the early 19th century by French dentist Auguste Taveau. Taveau’s amalgam was made from a mixture of silver, tin, and mercury, and was a significant improvement over previous filling materials, which included gold, lead, and even cork. In the United States, dental amalgam gained widespread popularity after the American Society of Dental Surgeons endorsed it as a safe and effective filling material in 1840.
Composition of Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam is composed of approximately 50% metallic elements and 50% mercury by weight. The metallic components include silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc. These metals are mixed with liquid mercury to form a soft, pliable mixture that can be molded to fit the cavity in a tooth. Once the amalgam has been packed into the cavity, it hardens and sets to form a durable, long-lasting filling.
Benefits of Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam has several benefits that have made it a popular choice for filling teeth. Some of the advantages of dental amalgam include:
- Durability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Longevity
- Ease of use
- Antibacterial properties
Durability
Dental amalgam is a very strong and durable material that can withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
Cost-effectiveness
Dental amalgam is a relatively inexpensive filling material compared to other options such as composite resin or porcelain.
Longevity
Dental amalgam fillings can last for up to 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Ease of use
Dental amalgam is easy for dentists to use and can be placed quickly, requiring only a single appointment.
Antibacterial properties
Dental amalgam has been shown to have antibacterial properties that can help prevent further decay and infection in the tooth.
Risks of Dental Amalgam
Despite its many benefits, dental amalgam has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns over the potential health risks associated with its use. Some of the risks associated with dental amalgam include:
- Mercury exposure
- Allergic reactions
- Cracking and breaking
- Aesthetics
- Difficulty in detecting caries
- Amalgam Tattoo
- Excessive Tooth preparation
- Limited Use on Molars
- Thermal Conductivity
Mercury exposure
Dental amalgam contains mercury, which is a toxic substance that can cause health problems in high doses. While the amount of mercury in dental amalgam is considered safe by most dental and health organizations, some individuals may be more sensitive to mercury exposure than others.
Allergic reactions
Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to one or more of the metallic components in dental amalgam. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.
Cracking and breaking
Dental amalgam fillings can expand and contract over time, leading to cracks and breaks in the tooth. This can result in further decay and infection if not treated promptly.
Aesthetics
Dental amalgam fillings are silver in color, which can be unsightly and noticeable in certain parts of the mouth.
Difficulty in detecting caries
Tooth decay that occurs due to gaps between amalgam and the tooth, and food leakage into the tooth cannot be detected in its early stages because its color is similar to the black color of the amalgam filling. As a result, decay beneath amalgam fillings can only be identified once it becomes large enough to be visible through radiography or when it reaches the nerve, causing tooth pain and requiring nerve removal and covering of the tooth.
Amalgam Tattoo
Amalgam fillings release mercury over time, which can seep into the dentine tubules, causing discoloration of the tooth filled with amalgam. This can sometimes lead to blackening of the gums.
Excessive Tooth preparation
Unlike composite fillings, which are bonded and adhere to the tooth, amalgam fillings require a mechanical retainer to remain in place in the cavity. Therefore, in addition to removing decay, dentists may need to remove a little more than necessary from tooth structure to create a mechanical attachment for the amalgam filling.
Limited Use on Molars
Due to its unsightly appearance, amalgam fillings are typically reserved for teeth that are not visible.
Thermal Conductivity
Amalgam fillings are made of metal and can transfer heat and cold directly to the tooth’s nerve. As a result, in deep fillings, it is necessary to lay an insulated floor beneath the amalgam filling to prevent discomfort and tooth sensitivity.
Alternatives to Dental Amalgam
Given the potential risks associated with dental amalgam, many individuals and dental professionals have turned to alternative filling materials. Some of the most popular alternatives to dental amalgam include:
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
- Glass ionomer
- Gold
- Ceramic
Composite resin
Composite resin is a tooth-colored filling material that is made of a mixture of plastic and glass. It is a popular choice for filling teeth in visible areas of the mouth because it can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a ceramic material that can be used to make fillings, inlay and onlay, and crowns. It is a durable and long-lasting material that can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth, making it a popular choice for filling teeth in visible areas of the mouth.
Glass ionomer
Glass ionomer is a dental cement that is made of a mixture of glass and acrylic acid. It is a popular choice for filling small cavities, as it can release fluoride and help prevent further decay.
Gold
Gold is a durable and long-lasting filling material that can be used for larger cavities or in areas of the mouth that are under high stress. While it is more expensive than other filling materials, it can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Ceramic
Ceramic fillings are made of a mixture of porcelain and other materials. They are a popular choice for filling teeth in visible areas of the mouth because they can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.
Conclusion
Dental amalgam has been a popular choice for filling teeth for over 150 years. While it has many benefits, including durability, cost-effectiveness, and longevity, it has also come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns over the potential health risks associated with its use. Despite these concerns, dental amalgam remains a safe and effective filling material for most individuals. However, for those who are concerned about the potential risks, there are alternative filling materials available, including composite resin, porcelain, glass ionomer, gold, and ceramic. Ultimately, the choice of filling material should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual’s unique needs and concerns.
