Modern dental amalgam comprises mercury, silver, tin, and copper, an alloy with a dull metallic color that does not match well aesthetically with the natural teeth [20]. The development of resin composite presents the benefit of aesthetics, being modified to match the color and clarity of the patient's teeth.
Our dentists ensure credibility through governmental restrictions in such countries, including the recommendation of avoiding amalgam restorations in pregnant women and young children and the limitation of amalgam restorations on molars only.
Measures when using fillings
Exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings is well below recognized tolerable limits, even for individuals with many restorations. Since the primary exposure happens when placing or removing amalgam fillings, it is better to leave them in place unless there is a medical reason to remove them. Although our dental workers do not touch amalgam and usually wear gloves and face masks, they breathe in mercury vapors, particularly during placement and removal of fillings. As a result, and despite improvements in mercury hygiene measures, mercury exposure usually is higher for dental workers than for the general population. During pregnancy and early life, children can be exposed to various sources of organic and inorganic mercury– through their mothers in the womb and during breastfeeding. However, exposure levels are deficient, and no adverse effects have been reported during pregnancy and early life. The concentration of total mercury in human breast milk is considered too low to pose any risk to infants.
Dental amalgam can contain silver, zinc, copper, and tin, and exposure to excessive doses of these metals can be harmful. The health effects depend on the metal involved, including skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 ~ (918) 891-3059 ~ smilesoftulsa.com ~ 10/3/2024 ~ Related Phrases: Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK ~