Cavities are among the most prevalent dental problems that people experience. To treat the tooth cavities, many patients opt to get fillings. This process entails removing the decayed tooth matter and filling that area with a metal amalgam or dental composite to restore the tooth’s structure. The dental amalgam is made from a blend of metals that include mercury, silver, tin, and copper. This type of restoration is more commonly known as a silver filling.
Are Silver Fillings Safe?
The dental amalgam constitutes 50% mercury. The mercury is a crucial element as it binds the metals, to provide a strong, hard, and long-lasting filling. However, some are worried that the mercury content is harmful to human health. Mercury in the silver fillings is not poisonous. When this compound is combined with other materials, its chemical nature stabilizes.
The quantity of mercury released in the process of chewing is negligible, and there’s no cause for alarm. In actuality, the amount is less than what individuals are exposed to in foods, air and water. Credible scientific research has certified that the amalgam filling is safe and efficient for filling cavities.
Benefits of Amalgam Tooth Fillings
Durability
In the field of dentistry, silver fillings have been in use for over 100 years. One of the reasons for this preference is because of the durability. Silver amalgam fillings are sturdy and can, therefore, endure the forces of chewing. The strong nature also makes them less prone to breaking, compared to other types of fillings such as composite or ceramic. Typically, they can last up to seven years before requiring replacement.
Economical
If you have a limited budget for your tooth decay treatment, consider getting a silver filling. It is less costly and is broadly used as a cost-effective form of filling.
Less Sensitive
The silver fillings can be used in treatments that involve areas of the mouth where moisture control is a problem. Unlike composite resin, the amalgam fillings tend to be less sensitive to moisture.
Ease of Placement
Gold and porcelain restorations usually take longer; hence they require at least two dental appointments. Contrary to these, the silver amalgam fillings can be completed in a single dental visit. This makes them ideal for children and special needs patients, who may have a hard time remaining still in the course of treatment.
Safety Considerations
Although rare, there are incidences where a patient may be allergic to mercury. If you suspect that you have an allergy to mercury, you should notify your dentist before getting a silver filling. Your physician will test you, and, if necessary, advise you on alternate treatments. The most appropriate substitute is the gold filling as it's as durable as the amalgam type.
Moreover, if you develop hypersensitivity to the silver fillings later on, you should seek medical help. Your dentist is likely to recommend replacing the restoration with another material. The boon to working with health professionals is that they will provide you with sufficient information so that you can make an informed decision regarding the filling material to choose.
Conclusion
The dental amalgam is the most recommendable type of tooth filling. It is cost-effective, safe, durable and can be placed in the tooth cavity quickly. Most people don't realize how useful materials like gold and silver are. They have many practical applications. This is one reason precious metals have remained a safe investment and in high demand for thousands of years. Fads like cyber currencies come and go, but an investment in precious metals will last a lifetime.
Visit Capital Gold Group at startwithgold.com or contact them at 1(800)510-9594 to secure your future with an investment in precious metals today!
