Understanding Amalgam Fillings

Among the biggest and longest lingering disputes in the world of dentistry revolves around amalgam fillings and their mercury content. While the toxic properties of the substance mercury are well documented and understood, there has been no incontrovertible proof that the amount of mercury that people with amalgam fillings are exposed to on a daily basis is harmful. Exposure to both large and small amounts of mercury through amalgam fillings is held responsible for the onset of mental and autoimmune disorders. Until documented studies are conducted they remain a popular choice among Suwanee dentists and dental patients. No world health organization or dentist has found any reason to be alarmed about the health of their patients who have amalgam fillings.

Some other shortcomings of using amalgam fillings are the larger amount of tooth material that has to be drilled out to correctly fit them in, and the attention they draw to a patient’s teeth because of their dark grey color.

Teeth receiving amalgam fillings require preparation with dental adhesives and resins. The fact that amalgam fillings are easier to apply make them a preferred treatment choice for the patient who does not like to spend extra time in a dentist’s chair. A dentist can advise a patient about which filling material is most suitable for them. Most people discover they need fillings after a routine exam or because of pain or discomfort in a specific tooth or area of the mouth.

Amalgam fillings are low-cost, easy to administer, and resilient under stress, even in the hard-working molar teeth.

If expenses are a problem, patients should go with amalgam fillings, but if looks are of greater importance, then composite fillings which closely resemble natural teeth are a much better alternative. A final consideration about the selection of amalgam fillings over composite filings involves dental insurance. Most dental insurance providers in Suwanee offer full coverage of the less expensive amalgam fillings, while not all will cover the more costly, but equally affective composites.