Dental Amalgam Minot ND
Make your smile healthy again
Dental amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal. Amalgam has some advantages over other restorative material, such as LOW COST, strength, and bacteriostatic effects. We do not do a lot of amalgams fillings in our office. They are used mostly as a low cost alternative to composite (tooth colored).
Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. On average, most amalgam restorations serve for 10 to 12 years. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, composites now last as long or longer than silver fillings.
There are circumstances in which composite (tooth colored fillings) serve better than amalgam. When a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, or esthetics are very important , composite is the recommended restorative material.
The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.
Fillings Can Strengthen Your Teeth!
Contact us to schedule an appointment.