Dental Filling Amalgam

is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay? Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately half (50%) of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the silver/copper/tin alloy particles to form an amalgam. Dental amalgam fillings are often referred to as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance, although the use of this term is not recommended because the term does not correctly explain the materials in amalgam.

Dental Filling Composite:

A composite (tooth-colored) filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth-colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

Indications for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing space between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth