![]() There are various different formulae used for dental composite, but they all contain a kind of synthetic resin that gives them a plastic-like composition.Ĭomposite fillings were first introduced in the 1960s and have undergone various changes and refinements in the decades since. The most common type of amalgam-free filling material is resin composite. It is therefore a more invasive type of filling which weakens the tooth structure and increases the risk of tooth fractures. However, because it doesn't chemically bond with the tooth, some of the healthy tooth structure has to be removed in order to prepare a space that will keep the filling secure. They are also relatively straightforward to place, meaning you spend less time in the dentist's chair.įrom a technical point of view, amalgam is quick and easy to place compared to other types of filling. On the plus side, amalgam fillings are cheaper than any other kind and are available to NHS patients. A silver tooth filling might not bother you if it's tucked away at the back of your mouth, but many people don't like the idea of others being able to see their fillings when they smile or laugh. Dental amalgam definitionįor now, let's look at the basics: what is amalgam filling?ĭental amalgam is a metal made by mixing elemental (liquid) mercury with silver, tin and copper in powdered form.Īside from concerns over toxicity, which we'll explore later, the main drawback of amalgam is the ‘ metal teeth‘ look. Later in this article, we'll look at whether these concerns are warranted and what side effects silver fillings might lead to. It's this ingredient that has made dental amalgam the subject of continuing controversy, due to concerns about its impact on human health both directly and through environmental pollution. ![]() ![]() They're also known as ‘ mercury fillings‘ because – you guessed it – there is mercury in amalgam fillings. ![]() It's now the most commonly used type of filling around the world, according to the World Health Organization.Īmalgam fillings may be called ‘ silver fillings‘ or ‘ black fillings‘ because of their colour (they become darker over time). Its quality has improved greatly over the years, as have the dentistry techniques used to place fillings. It's almost 200 years since dental amalgam was first used in Europe to fill teeth cavities.
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