 Dental Amalgam has been used as a dental restorative material for over 150 years. Amalgam remains in use because it is strong, durable and relatively inexpensive.
Amalgam is the restorative material of choice when: moisture control is problematic, when cost is an overriding patient concern and when patient commitment to personal oral hygine is poor. The average longenity of an amalgam restoration is 8-10 years. Only one appointment is required to place this restoration. The material sets or hardens on its own. Chewing and biting is recommend 24 hours after the procedure.
However, amalgam expands and contracts with temperature. Over time, a "gap" will appear between the tooth and the filling. In turn, this will cause microleakage and decay may form underneath the filling and around the margin. Thus, replacement of the filling and decay removal is required.
Amalgam is not used when esthetics are a concern or if patients have a history of an allergy to mercury or other amalgam components. |
