People who have had cavities are familiar with silver fillings. But how many of us know them by their real name?
Dental amalgams, or silver fillings, are one of the most effective filling materials and most dentists use them. Amalgams are a combination of copper, tin, silver and mercury and are strong enough to tolerate the pressures of grinding and chewing. Despite their advantages, there are many myths about amalgams. Some people believe that the mercury used in amalgam causes health problems, or that illness is cured when the amalgam is removed. Except for a few who are allergic to one of the amalgam elements, the U.S. Public Health Service says there is no link between amalgam and health problems. And removing them may cause structural damage to the tooth leading to greater dental problems. So no matter what you call them, amalgam or silver filling, they both mean a safe and effective material to correct tooth decay. Read more about Amalgam: 150 years of safety and effectiveness.
