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Silver Mercury-Amalgam Fillings Amalgam is the generic term applied to the silver-mercury filling commonly used in dentistry to restore teeth. Amalgam is also known as the "silver filling" (due to its shiny appearance) or the silver-mercury filling. Amalgam literally means mixed with mercury and in the dental sense that is true. Powdered metals and metal compounds consisting of silver, copper, tin, and zinc are mixed with about an equal weight of liquid mercury. Three different types of chemical reactions take place within this mixture, and the resultant silver-mercury amalgam will set at room temperature, and, most importantly, within a few minutes. Silver-mercury amalgam has been used as a filling material for 160 years and has enjoyed the reputation of being an inexpensive, long lasting filling. The materials alone only cost about one dollar. Although the average life span of a silver-mercury amalgam filling is only around five years, according to Dr. Leon Silverstone at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, some amalgam fillings have been known to last for up to 20 years. Three times now, mercury from fillings has been accused of initiating diseases. The first time was in the 1830’s, again in the 1920’s, and the third time a movement started in 1973 in which more substantial information has been available to determine the toxicity of mercury. Up until recently, it was felt that the mercury stayed within the filling. Now it is known that mercury leaches out every minute of the day.
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Disclaimer of Liability: This website is a site designed to inform patients and healthcare professionals about traditional and alternative dental procedures and materials. Alternative dental care should be an adjunct to and not a substitute for quality dental care. The opinions presented in this website may be controversial and may be disputed by other dental professionals and organizations. Gallo D.D.S. Ltd. expressly disclaims all liability arising out of improper interpretation and use of information and links provided. Always consult your treating physician or other dental professional regarding these or other important health issues. Copyright© 2011 Gallo D.D.S. Ltd. |
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