Amalgam fillings are most commonly known as silver fillings or mercury fillings that have been used as a dental restoration for filling cavities. A silver filling is a dental restoration consisting of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals. These mixtures of metals are called amalgam. Besides, the silver filling is a durable and inexpensive thing. They are easy to use.
It is frustrating to know that even substances can contain harmful components for restoring teeth. At mercury-free dentistry, they offer you safer options for your teeth as well as your entire well-being. Here are some benefits of mercury-free dentistry:
What to know about mercury fillings
- A mercury filling is a type of tooth filling material that fills in the required hole presented in your tooth cavity. The fillings are made up of mercury and other metal substances mixed to form fillings that are much harder than the other alternatives.
- The fact that mercury fillings will release low levels of mercury over a period means that those who have mercury fillings are at risk of inhaling the mercury vapour, which is absorbed into the lungs. It has the possibility to be absorbed when you chew and drink hot liquids and through the act of grinding one’s teeth. Those who are allergic to metals should make a filling choice that doesn’t include any metal.
Process of a dental amalgam
Dental amalgam contains elemental liquid mercury. The metal consists of copper, silver and tin. Here are the things you need to about the dental amalgam:
Silver fillings
Dental amalgam is referred to as silver fillings due to the silver appearance. Naturally, it is an amalgamation of metals bound together by the element mercury. It is highly recommended to refer your dentist for the best consultation.
Amalgam putty
The dentists use a capsule that contains liquid mercury and amalgam putty. It is shaped and inserted inside the hole in your tooth to fill in the dental pothole.
Drilling and shaping
The first of the filling is drilling the tooth with the cavity before inserting the silver filling. After the removal of the decay from the tooth, the fillings will be placed. The drill will help shape the hole, and it allows the smooth surface of the amalgam to fill.
Filling the surface
The filling is then placed into the tooth and shaped in the prepared hole. After the placement, the filling becomes hard that can withstand the strong bite forces of the molars on the back of your mouth.
Benefits of mercury-free dentistry
Safer for dentists and patients
Mercury-free dentistry creates a healthy working and safer environment. It doesn’t provide any kind of harm to the patients. Amalgam exhibits dental professionals to mercury in the workplace. At certain times, mercury exposure can lead to a few neurological and health problems. If you have a health problem, it depends a great deal on the length of exposure, age, and overall health.
Safe filling choices
There are several kinds of fillings, and it is safer to choose the fillings which suit your needs and capabilities because the fillings will depend on the type of cavity and where it is located when it comes to one’s filling process.
It gives you a natural smile
If you have a metal filling, it will be better noticeable when you smile or speak to others. With the help of an experienced dentist, you can select the fillings, and the dentist will examine your teeth to colour match your restoration. You can fill a cavity that is broken or cracked. So, the mercury filling helps to restore your tooth that blends in with your smile.
Precautions
Mercury-free dentistry focuses on ways to reduce and minimize mercury exposure. Here are a few precautions to follow during mercury filling removal :
- Dentists provide you with a sufficient air source and don’t breathe through your mouth.
- To minimize the vapours Spray on it, by using cold water
- Wash your mouth immediately after the fillings have been removed
- Clean your protective wear and face immediately once the fillings are removed
- Use an air purifiers room
Final thoughts
These are the important things that you have to know about mercury-free dentistry and mercury fillings. It is essential to consult an experienced and certified dentist for dental problems and the procedure. They can describe to you more about the treatment very well. To know more information to contact Holistic Dental Donvale.
