Dental fillings are installations used to seal decayed portions of a tooth. The fillings prevent progressive tooth decay by restoring broken and weakened teeth. However, not all damaged teeth are eligible for filling. When the damage is extensive, a replacement is an ideal treatment. Nonetheless, fillings play a big part in preventing serious complications from tooth decay. Typically, fillings are installed after drilling through teeth to remove decayed and vulnerable sections. After the drilling, a filling material is added to the space to restore the tooth's structure. There are four basic types of dental filling: amalgam, gold, ceramic and composite. Amalgam is one of the most common options: however, it's often attracted some concerns. Here is a closer look at what amalgam fillings are all about.Amalgam is a unique material that combines several metals. It consists of liquid mercury and a powdered tin, silver, and copper alloy. The final product has a silver look hence the name "silver filling." Amalgam fillings have unique benefits that make them popular. The fillings are fairly strong and durable. They rarely break or lose their structural integrity, and it's the ideal choice for patients with a high risk of tooth decay. Moreover, amalgam fillings are inexpensive. Since dental amalgam has over 150 years to its name and millions of patients, it's an easy sell. However, there are potential risks and concerns.Amalgam contains elemental mercury, which has raised several concerns over its safety. There are low levels of mercury released from dental amalgams in the form of vapour. The vapour is absorbed into the lungs, but the concentration is too low to cause any issues. In comparison, occupational injury to the lungs from mercury vapour involves significantly high concentrations and the exposure results in renal and brain dysfunctions. Nonetheless, the little absorption from amalgam fillings has raised safety concerns.The mercury used in dental amalgam is not the same as the mercury found in fish. Dental fillings use inorganic mercury since it easily binds metal alloys and has a strong, durable structure. On the other hand, the mercury found in fish is methylmercury, a type of organic mercury. It's primarily absorbed into the body through the digestive tract and processed differently. However, some studies have shown the two types of mercury can transform into each other within the body: therefore, it's harder to tear apart the potential health implications.Exposure to mercury from dental amalgams has not been shown to have any negative health impacts. Nonetheless, there may be a higher risk for certain groups of people susceptible to adverse effects. As a result, non-amalgam fillings are recommended for patients in the following categories: pregnant women, women planning to get pregnant, nursing women, people with impaired kidney function and neurological disease, children below six years, and patients allergic to mercury. Suppose you have an amalgam filling and have concerns; there is no need to panic and ask for removal. An intact amalgam filling poses no risk to the patient. However, if you develop an allergic reaction or other medical issues, you can discuss with your dentist about removal and replacement.Amalgam fillings are currently not so popular, and many dentists don't offer them. Although there is little risk, it's grown out of favour with patients. Nonetheless, there are three other popular solutions: gold, ceramic and composite fillings. Gold fillings are made from a combination of gold and other metals like silver and palladium. The filling is strong and durable. On the other hand, ceramic fillings are designed by dental technicians from a ceramic material to look like natural teeth. The fillings are chemically fused to the tooth and form a strong bond. Another type of filling, the composite filling, is made from tooth-colored adhesive material applied to the tooth. The filling is applied directly into the mouth and has the closest resemblance to natural teeth. The top recommendation for fillings is composite filling.Ultimately, what filling you decide to have will depend on you and your dentist. Therefore, ask all the questions and do your research before the final procedure. Furthermore, finding out what your insurance policy says about fillings is imperative. Regardless, curb decay and protect your teeth.
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