SAFE AMALGAM FILLING REMOVAL

What is Amalgam Filling?

Amalgam fillings, also known as black filling and silver filling, have been used for about 150 years. Amalgam is a filler obtained by mixing silver, copper and tin metals with mercury. The mercury in the mixture helps hold other metals together.
Amalgam fillings are preferred because they are easy to apply, long-lasting, durable, and do not allow bacteria formation.

Is Mercury in Amalgam Harmful?

Mercury is a very harmful substance for the human body in its free state, but since the structure of the mercury in the filler is different, it is harmless.
Mercury vapor is emitted from amalgam fillings over time, but the amount is much lower than even the mercury ingested daily. For example, the amount of mercury taken with a fish is more than with a filling.
Controversy over the non-use of amalgam in recent years is due to the mercury vapor released. Physicians also preferably do not use amalgam, but in some cases there may be no other option.

Should Amalgam Fillings Be Removed?

Many patients who come with a filling in their mouth say, "Shall we remove this black filling?" he asks. The approach should be: If the integrity of the filling is broken, cracked, broken, if the tooth has decayed from a different place or if it poses an aesthetic problem, then it would be logical to remove the amalgam. Otherwise, it doesn't make much sense to remove a filling that serves well in the mouth.
When removing old fillings, physicians should prevent the patient from swallowing old filling pieces. It is also necessary to be protected from the particles scattered in the environment with water. Dentists routinely work by following these boards.
Composite fillings are generally applied instead of removed fillings. Composite fillings, which are aesthetically indistinguishable from teeth, have become stronger with the developing technology and have replaced the old fillings.
Composite fillings contain many chemicals. Therefore, a poorly made composite filling is much more harmful than amalgam. If done according to the rules, it is absolutely harmless and extremely healthy.

Amalgam Filling vs Composite Filling

Composite fillings can be applied safely instead of old amalgam fillings and good results are obtained.

How is Amalgam Filling Removed?

A special procedure is applied for amalgam fillings that are decided to be removed. The thing to be considered here is that the patient should not swallow while removing the amalgam filling, and the physician and his assistant should protect themselves from the particles splashed into the air.
When removing amalgam fillings, special absorbers and covers called "rubberdam" are used. Thus, the water used for cleaning is drawn directly to the patient's mouth with the absorbent. Of course, amalgam should not interfere with nature. Strainers attached to the end of the absorber prevent water from mixing with the sewer.

What if Amalgam Fillings Swallow?

Swallowed amalgam fillings are usually a small part of the broken filling and are often excreted without harming the person. Usually there is nothing to worry about. Allergic reactions and poisonings have been reported very rarely in some people. Swallowing the filling is not as important as it scares people, but it is still useful to apply to a health institution just in case.
Especially if a bitter metallic taste occurs in the mouth in the morning, it should be considered that there may be a problem with the fillings and a dentist should be examined as soon as possible.

What You Wonder About Amalgam Filling..!

Does Amalgam Filling Cause Cancer? No. There is no scientific proof about this issue. What causes controversy is the mercury metal in the filler, but the amount of it is so small that it is not harmful to humans. For people with a large number of poorly made fillings in their mouths, replacing fillings may be considered.
Tooth Darkening Amalgam fillings can give teeth a grayish color over time. If this discoloration is at a level that will pose an aesthetic issue, it would be appropriate to replace the filling with more aesthetic materials such as composite..
Electric Shock People with many fillings may feel as if they have been electrocuted due to the electrical charges in the mouth, especially while eating. The reason for this is the physical phenomenon called "galvanic current". Again, composite fillings can be applied to people with such complaints.
Allergy Some bodies are sensitive to the substances in the filling and may show an allergic reaction. The degree of this is usually very light and the problem can be solved simply by replacing the filler with composite materials. [ref:serdarekici][görsel:philipperoyer]