About Dental Amalgam

Used in dentistry for over 150 years, dental amalgam is a material composed primarily of mercury, silver, copper and tin. It remains a filling material of choice for teeth located behind less visible.

Inexpensive and very durable, well sealed dental amalgam tooth, which reduces the recurrence rate of decay. Finally, it resists much pressure from chewing. Its main drawback remains its silver color, which may displease.

Dental amalgams release mercury vapors, especially when chewing. According to the literature, the amount of metallic mercury released would, however, well below the toxicity threshold.

Note also that each individual absorbs every day another form of mercury from the environment. This organic mercury is found particularly in the air, in water and in foods such as fish.

According to Health Canada, it is not justified to completely prohibit the use of amalgam or recommend the replacement of amalgam fillings in good condition in patients. In addition, there is no data showing that dental amalgam is a cause of disease in the general population.

Benefits

Waterproof
Durable and abrasion-resistant
Disadvantages

Unsightly
Allergic reactions (rare)
The Order of Dentists of Quebec does not advise patients to replace amalgams in good condition other filling materials.


It is recommended not to use amalgam for the following patients:

People allergic to mercury. The true allergies to mercury are rare (less than 1% of the population). A skin test and an oral examination to verify if a person is allergic to mercury.
People who suffer from renal (kidney disease).
To read the position statement from Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

To read the position statement of the Order of Dentists of Quebec: Policies and guidelines.

For more information, please refer to the http://www.zetadental.com/