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Why Don't Dentists Use Alternatives to Amalgam?

Posted on 3/7/2022 by Nancy Shiba DDS

Amalgam is common when filling the cavities, it is a combination of metals. Metals that form amalgams are mercury, copper-silver, small amounts of zinc, and pallidum. Tooth-colored materials are commonly used to restore teeth. Our dental team is ready to use amalgam fillings instead of alternatives to fill your cavities.

Safety of amalgam

Many people fear using amalgam fillings because they contain mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that exists as a liquid but when heated may occur in gaseous nature. Our bodies get exposed to mercury when we drink water, eat food, and even through the natural soil. If the body is exposed to high mercury levels, then it will be damaged. When the mercury is used to fillings only a small amount is used so the body will not be exposed to huge amounts of mercury.

Separators of amalgams and alternatives

The dentist can prefer to use alternatives to amalgam fillings if your body has been exposed to mercury in huge amounts. If the place of work has high mercury exposure, then you will not be considered a candidate for amalgam fillings. Other people like pregnant women need to avoid having amalgam fillings. The use of amalgam separators ensures that no remains of amalgams or even mercury are left in the mouth after the procedure. This will be considered a safe procedure. The separators are equipment that ensures that it takes the extra amalgams that are left in the mouth, the separators have special traps in sink drains with tubes that prevent amalgams from getting into the plumbing system. Our dental team will use amalgam fillings to fill your cavities and if you are not candidate alternatives will be used.

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Dental Blog • Nancy Shiba, DDS
Nancy Shiba, DDS, 125 N Jackson Ave, Suite 103, San Jose, CA 95116-1914 - (669) 306-7669 - nancyshibadds.com - 5/14/2025