What Are Amalgam Fillings?

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Teeth can develop cavities from poor daily hygiene, and there are several possible methods for treating a cavity. One of the most common is treatment using amalgam filling. If you have developed a cavity and think you might need a filling, your dentist can provide you with specific advice for your individual dental needs. You should know what amalgam fillings are, how they work, and the benefits of choosing this method of cavity treatment.

What Is Amalgam Filling?

Amalgam fillings are composite metals used to fill cavities in teeth. For more than 150 years, it has been the preferred method for treating cavities around the world. The amalgam substance itself consists of about 50% liquid mercury and 50% powdered metal alloy containing silver, copper, and tin.

When a patient requires cavity treatment with amalgam filling, the dentist first must drill away the decayed portion of the tooth. Next, the dentist carefully combines the powdered metal alloy with liquid mercury to create the amalgam putty, which is carefully applied to the cavity site. Once in place, the amalgam filling will rapidly harden and form a very tight bond with the rest of the tooth.

Things to Know About Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings continue to be one of the most common cavity treatments. If you require an amalgam filling, you can expect the filling to be very durable shortly after application. Amalgam fillings are inexpensive and long-lasting. Currently, the FDA does not advise any serious health risks associated with the mercury used in amalgam fillings, except in patients with allergies to the metals included in the amalgam’s powdered alloy or mercury sensitivity.

If you require cavity treatment, it is essential to speak to your doctor about the potential risks of amalgam fillings, especially if you know you have a mercury sensitivity or metal allergy. Your dentist can review your dental needs and assess the severity of your cavity to recommend appropriate treatment. Amalgam fillings may be the most common cavity treatments, but they are not suitable for everyone.

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Get the Cavity Care You Need

Cavities are one of the most common causes of toothaches. If you develop a sudden toothache, or if you notice that a tooth is painful when brushing, you may have an exposed cavity that requires treatment. Your cavity can continue to make eating and speaking difficult, and you might require treatment sooner than your regular dentist can provide it.

The team at Emergency Dental Service can help you find a local emergency dental office that can provide the cavity treatment you need as soon as possible, including amalgam fillings. Contact us online or call 1-888-350-1340 to schedule emergency cavity treatment near you.


This blog "What Are Amalgam Fillings?" originally posted HERE.


 

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