Mercury amalgam is the oldest material for closing tooth defects. It has the greatest strength, but also many drawbacks: a grey colour, heat conduction and susceptibility to corrosion. Today it is used mainly to build up deeply broken teeth, and for fillings – at the dentist’s discretion and the patient’s wish.
At our clinic we do not place amalgam fillings – it is an outdated technology. We fill teeth with photopolymer (composite).
What are the advantages of amalgam?
- The greatest strength.
- Easy working technique.
- Lower sensitivity to moisture when it is placed.
What are the drawbacks of amalgam?
Even though modern amalgams are now used, their drawbacks cannot be avoided:
- Colour. The grey, metallic colour of the filling always contrasts with the colour of the tooth.
- Heat conduction. Amalgam fillings conduct heat, and this can lead to irritation and pain in the tooth when eating hot or cold food.
- Contraction and expansion. Metals contract or expand when the temperature changes. This is also true of amalgam and can lead to fracture of parts of the tooth walls.
- Corrosion. Amalgam is prone to corrosion – over time its surface becomes black and rough, which means it has to be polished again.
- Electrogalvanism. Where there are other metal restorations (for example gold crowns), an amalgam filling can cause electrogalvanism.
- Staining of tissues. When old amalgams are removed, dark staining of the neighbouring tooth tissues remains. This calls for deeper preparation in order to clean it, which leads to the loss of tooth tissue.
- Amalgam tattoo. Besides the hard tooth tissues, amalgam can also discolour the gum and the mucosa next to the treated tooth.
Where is amalgam used today?
Amalgam is still used to build up deeply broken teeth, which are then covered with crowns. At the dentist’s discretion and the patient’s wish, it can still be used for fillings.
What do a well-made and a poorly made amalgam filling look like?
The photos show a well-made amalgam filling (the first) and a poorly made amalgam filling (the second).
Frequently asked questions
What is an amalgam filling?
Mercury amalgam is the oldest material used to close tooth defects. It has the greatest strength, but also many drawbacks.
Why can amalgam hurt with hot or cold food?
Amalgam fillings conduct heat, which can lead to irritation and pain in the tooth when eating hot or cold food.
Where is amalgam used today?
It is still used to build up deeply broken teeth, which are then covered with crowns. At the dentist’s discretion and the patient’s wish, it can also be used for fillings.
What is an amalgam tattoo?
Amalgam can discolour the gum and the mucosa next to the treated tooth – this is the so-called amalgam tattoo.