Here in Italy my dentist keep saying that amalgam is the best stuff to take care of teeth.I'd rather something different because its silver colour annoys me.
Do they use it too in the USA?
2007-11-30 03:57:35 · 13 answers · asked by Brenno 6 in Health ➔ Dental
Only one country has stopped amalgam. That is Sweden. Amalgam is safe and has been studied to death. There is no scientific basis for not using it. So called studies against it are very flawed and illegitimate. The chief reason for a dentist to change is demand from patients for "pretty" filings. Next, the dentist needs to evaluate the strength of the dental material. Further, where in the tooth is it being placed. The current composites are almost as strong as amalgam. When they reach amalgam strengths and workability, we will all use it.
No epoxy is used in the mouth. We use a resin filled composite, usually light cured but can be chemically cured.
Amalgam is an alloy of silver and mercury. It is in a bound state and not chemically active. That is why we use it. It is superior to all filling material except gold.
DDS and still practicing
2007-11-30 05:02:40 · answer #1 · answered by kelloggdental 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Amalgam, which is an alloy of mercury, zinc, tin, copper and silver, is still used in the USA. Some dentists use the composite resin (tooth-colored) filling material for all fillings, but some still use the amalgam for posterior (back teeth) restorations.
The crushing strength of amalgam is higher than the crushing strength of the composite, so using it on posterior teeth is the better option, since it will withstand more bruxism... and amalgam fillings won't 'wash out' after a few years.
Amalgam is used for it's strength, not appearance. If two people had the same filling placed on a molar, but one received amalgam and the other received composite, chances are the one who received the composite would have it replaced sooner than the one who had the amalgam filling...
:)
2007-11-30 09:21:58 · answer #2 · answered by CDA~NY 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your dentist is still using amalgam run. Here in the USA a good dentist should not be using amalgam. A lot of toxic comes from amalgam and it causes a lot of side effects. The list is endless for me to even write it here. I think your dentist needs to upgrade himself. Amalgams are so ancient. Bonding with resin (White filling) if done properly can last a long time.
2007-11-30 04:48:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Do you mean "titanium"? If so, it is inert. It cannot hurt you. It is used in many prosthetics from knee replacements to hip replacements. A dental implant is not used to remove a silver filling from a tooth treated with root canal therapy. All you have to do is have the silver filling removed, have a white filling placed and complete the treatment properly with a porcelain crown. If you are concerned about health issues related to silver fillings, make sure your dentist fits you with a "rubber dam" prior to removing the filling. If he refuses, walk out. The rubber dam prevents any of the silver filling material, which will be pulverized during its removal, from contacting your mouth or throat.
2016-04-06 05:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dentist use tooth colored fillings nowadays. I'm sure there are some who still use amalgam, but there are studies saying that they are not safe.
Your average modern dentist in the US will most likely choose ceramic or polymer-based tooth colored fillings over metallic fillings. However, amalgam and other metallic fillings are more durable. If you do get a tooth colored filling, make sure you get it replaced once it has worn down.
Search around. I'm sure you can find a dentist who uses more natural looking filling somewhere in your area.
2007-11-30 04:05:30 · answer #5 · answered by JJ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know. None of the dentists I've been to in the last 10 years use them anymore. As my silver fillings have been falling out or loosening up (they are all over 20 years old), they 've replaced them with the resin fillings.
2007-11-30 04:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Invisigoth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They used to use what was called an amalgam, or mixture of mercury and something else, maybe Chinese newspapers or white lead, but I believe the practice has been halted as unsafe.
The newest trend is the resin bonding. Tell your butcher to get with the times or shop around for someone new. Your smile will thank you.
2007-11-30 04:09:09 · answer #7 · answered by Charlene Dev 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
yes, amalgam is still used..
White composite fillings can sometimes cause sensitivity on deep fillings and patients have to return to have them replaced
2007-11-30 04:08:26 · answer #8 · answered by dental asst 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is still used, some dentists prefer it but others do not.
2007-11-30 04:02:29 · answer #9 · answered by Michelle - Dental Hygienist, USA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine doesn't, he uses the white epoxy for everything.
2007-11-30 04:00:38 · answer #10 · answered by Steve C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋