Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings- at Gentle DentalAmalgam fillings are a combination of metals that have been used as filling material in dentistry for over 150 years. They are the most popular and have many advantages, such as strength, low cost, bacteriostatic effects and durability. Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay back to their normal function, and can prevent further decay.

Amalgam fillings are made up of silver, mercury, tin and copper- and lasts longer than other restorative materials, such as composite. Most amalgam restorations last up to ten to twelve years. This type of filling is easy to use and manipulate for placement, as it says soft for a short time and can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then will form into a hard compound.

Resin based composite materials usually only last 1/2 that time. Improvements are being made to composite fillings, and the difference in the two fillings is decreasing. At this time, we use the amalgam fillings, although there are circumstances in which your dentist will choose composite fillings- such as occlusal restorations.  Both amalgam and composite fillings have been determined safe by The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.

Contact us at Gentle Dental of Potterville and Charlotte, MI to schedule an appointment.