What are the effects of mercury amalgam when used as a filling?
In addition to being toxic, amalgam or
mercury fillings come with other risks. Silver mercury fillings are not only
hazardous to our bodies but also to the environment. Amalgam is a temperature
sensitive substance, which expands and contracts when in contact with hot or
cold substances. Amalgam will shrink and expand at a different rate than the
teeth. This can weaken the tooth and lead to tooth sensitivity, enamel
fractures, and even breakage of the tooth.
Amalgam is not aesthetically pleasing and
most do not like it for this reason. Amalgam is a silver colored material and
does not match with the natural color of the tooth. The color will be
noticeable if the restoration is done near the front of the mouth.
The dentist will also have to remove a large
part of your healthy tooth in order to place the amalgam filling when compared
with composite resin fillings. Composite
resins will require less drilling as it will bond directly with the tooth.
Resin fillings are tooth colored and the difference will not be noticeable as
it is with the amalgam fillings.
What are the
advantages of using composite resin?
Composite resin fillings can be used to
repair small decays and replace older fillings. The resins adhere to the
natural structure of the tooth, providing a barrier against decay-causing
bacteria. Use of composite resin will retain natural tooth structure for a better
smile. Composite resin helps in retaining the strength of the tooth. The resin
will not crack due to temperature changes.
