Dental amalgam - what is it?

Dental amalgam - what is it?

Dental amalgam is a material used to restore coronary destruction resulting from caries process. It is used especially in areas where teeth are developed during chewing forces reach high values ​​(molar = "masses").
Dental amalgam - what is it?
High resistance

Although unsightly material (metallic color), is used today as it continues to be the material with the highest resistance to demands during masticatory act. This quality, strength, gives fillings ("fillings") durability over time. Newer filling materials (materials aesthetic) have the same strength. For this reason they deteriorate faster and require repeated replacements.
Dental amalgam - what is it?
History of dental amalgam

Dental amalgam has been used for the first time in America, with more than 150 years ago. Sure that this long period of use, amalgam has suffered numerous improvements that have given quality and safety in use. There are several types of dental amalgams by metallic elements in the composition. The most common is the silver amalgam.
Dental amalgam - what is it?
Composition

Basically dental amalgam ("mixture") is an alloy of mercury with one or more metals. It results from mixing liquid mercury metal particles (silver, tin, copper and so on in a good set, silver and tin are in greater quantity), according to standards. To minimize the risk of spreading mercury during preparation and insertion maneuvers amalgam into the cavity of a series of measures are provided.

Currently, the two components (mercury and metal powders) are supplied in capsules. Since the two components are pre-measured amount of mercury in the amalgam is absolutely necessary. Preparation is done mechanically, reducing the risk of spreading mercury vapor.

Obtained material, soft consistency, is inserted into the resulting cavity after caries removal. After a period of about two hours, is setting amalgam ("cures").

Dental amalgam - the only source of mercury?

Despite prolonged use regular discussions occur on amalgam biocompatibility. In very rare cases, allergic reactions to mercury in quotes amalgam fillings, which disappear within a few days or, in the worst case, disappear by removing fillings. Such reactions may occur but also with other materials.
The natural question arises whether dental amalgam is the only source of mercury, with possible toxic effects on the body. There are many sources of mercury exposure: food, water, air and occupational exposure. WHO estimates that by using the marine food products once a week, increase the level of mercury in the urine of two to eight times higher than the exposure from amalgam. The amount of mercury released from amalgam is less than that received by eating more than usual. It is estimated that a patient with amalgam fillings has nine daily inhale only 1% of the amount allowed to be inhaled under work in professional environments.

Mercury levels in blood and urine are influenced by other factors and often can not be directly related to amalgam. Generally it is believed that mercury from amalgam has only a small contribution to the total body load of mercury. (Craig's - Restorative Dental Materials, Twelfth Edition, Mosby Elsevier, 2006)

Important scientific forums (FDI, American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, Council on Dental Materials and Devices, American Association of Paediatric Dentistry etc.) Recommends continued use of amalgam, as clinically indicated, considering it an 'sure' (' safe "), with good results over time.
Author: Professor Rodica Luca, Faculty of Dentistry in Bucharest, University of Bucharest