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Dental amalgam is an acceptable material for dental fillings. It lasts a long time (15-20 years), it is very affordable, and it is easy to use.
On the down side, amalgam is not cosmetic, and eventually all amalgam fillings fail and must be replaced. There are more modern materials that can be matched to the color of the tooth being filled.
Some dentists have expressed concern over the possible toxic effects of Mercury leaking from the amalgam. However, considering the BILLIONS of amalgam fillings that have been placed over the past century, it has not been scientifically established that amalgam poses a significant health threat. Nevertheless, you can find several websites that Trumpet the horrors of alleged mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings.
On a personal note, it has been my experience that dentists who encourage patients to remove all their amalgam fillings and replace them with 'non-toxic' fillings are looking to line their own pockets with gold. If a filling is clearly failing, that is one thing, but to remove a perfectly functioning amalgam (and remove more tooth structure in the process) is, in my opinion, irresponsible and unethical.
Today, many dental offices are 'mercury-free'. and that is fine. As the costs of alternative materials come down, eventually amalgam fillings will simply be a quaint sidebar in the history books of dentistry.
What else can I help you with?
Amalgum is a term for any alloy that has which element?
Mercury is the element present in an amalgum. It is commonly used in dental fillings.
Do crowns have mercury?
No. Silver fillings contain mercury. Crowns do not.
Is Mercury in fillings bad for you?
yes
What element is used to make amalgam?
The element used to make amalgam is mercury. Mercury is combined with other metals like silver, tin, and copper to create dental amalgam for fillings.
What minerals are tooth fillings made out of?
The metal used for fillings now is called Amalgam. Amalgam is made up a combination of copper, tin, silver, Zinc and about 50% mercury. of There is also composite resin which is a combination of fine glass and plastic.
Why is mercury used in blood?
It isn't. But due to earlier use, as in tooth fillings, traces of it can be detected in the body.
What is amalgam used for?
An amalgam of mercury with another metal. Amalgam as used in teeth with such metals as silver, copper, tin, zinc or indium being mixed with mercury
What two or three uses of mercury the special liquid?
it is used in thermometers(sorry if i spelled thermometers wrong)
What does a dentist use to fill a cavity?
Traditional fillings are a mercury/silver mixture. These are the fillings everyone is used to seeing. On average these fillings will last 10-15 years in an adult, but they can fall out, and need to be replaced. Resin fillings are coloured to match your tooth, and have half the life-span of traditional fillings, however more people are opting to go with this type of filling for both cosmetic and health reasons, over recent concerns about mercury content in traditional silver fillings.
What Become hazardous waste When thrown away?
Mercury, and mercury-based tooth fillings.
When thrown away what becomes a hazardous waste?
Mercury, and mercury-based tooth fillings.
When did they stop using mercury for mouth fillings?
The use of mercury in dental fillings, specifically amalgam fillings, is still common practice today. While there are ongoing debates and concerns regarding its safety, many dental professionals and organizations maintain that amalgam fillings are safe and effective for restoring teeth.
