Know About the Amalgam Fillings and Safety Measures

Dental amalgam is a filling material primarily used to fill dental cavities caused by tooth decay. It has been in use for more than a century to help millions of people suffering from tooth decay to restore their beautiful smile. Dental amalgam is a mixture of different metals. It consists of mercury and other metals including tin, silver and copper. However, approximately half of dental amalgam comprises mercury. Its chemical properties allow other metals to bind together,forming an amalgam.

Dental amalgam is sometimes referred to as silver amalgam due to its silver-like appearance. However, despite its name, it contains elemental mercury.

During the placement of the silver amalgam, first, the dentist drill the tooth to remove any decayed material as well as shape the tooth in a way that it will accommodate the amalgam. The dentist then applies the appropriate safety conditions to mix the liquid mercury with other metals to form an amalgam. The softened amalgam is then placed on the affected tooth where it hardens and forms a solid filling.

Benefits of Dental Amalgam Fillings

Dental Amalgam is strong and durable. It will take you many years before you can repair or replace it provided that you will offer it proper care. Also, dental amalgam is the least expensive compared to all other types of fillings.

Potential Risks

Dental amalgam filling contains elemental mercury. Over time, it can release a low level of mercury that a patient can inhale. The inhalation can make the lungs absorb the mercury. High level of mercury exposure can result in a myriad of health complications,including brain and kidney failure.

Safety Measure

• Algin Supplementation

It is recommended that you take algin with the first 24 hours after a dental amalgam procedure. It helps in absorbing any mercury that might have been ingested during the process. Algin is a non-digestible fiber that allows mercury to bind on it before it can get absorbed into the blood.

• Chlorella Supplementation

The dentist can recommend that the patient should take chlorella 24 hours before the procedure. The supplementation helps to chlorate mercury and transport it to the digestive system.

• Rubber Dam

Rubber dam can be used during the dental amalgam procedure to reduce the amount of mercury that might be ingested. Therefore, you need to choose a dentist that uses rubber dam during dental amalgam procedure.

• Cover All Skin

The dentist will cover all your skin,including the face with a material that is impermeable to mercury. This helps in reducing the level of exposure of mercury dust as well as the vapour.

• Thoroughly Flash your Mouth With Water After the Procedure

After the procedure has been done, it is important for the patient to thoroughly flash the mouth with water to remove any mercury elements.

Bottom Line

Springvale Dental Clinic offers high-quality dental amalgam placement and removal services. Since mercury is a toxic substance, we apply strict safety measures and procedures to protect your health, our dental team, as well as the environment. Our dental team are well qualified and will be sure to offer you satisfactory services.