Oral and dental health carries critical importance not only for aesthetic appearance but also for the preservation of general body health. When regular care is not performed, tooth decay, gum diseases, bad breath, and chewing problems can occur, and this situation directly affects the quality of life. Today, composite and porcelain filling systems are generally preferred in the treatment of tooth decay. Amalgam filling, which was widely used in the past and is publicly called "silver filling", is a metal-based restorative filling type that stands out with its high durability. Amalgam filling consists of an alloy containing silver, tin, copper, and mercury, and has been successfully applied for many years against high chewing forces, especially in the back teeth. Today, with increasing aesthetic expectations and the development of modern filling materials, its usage rate has decreased. In modern dental clinics in Adana, amalgam filling applications are evaluated with digital radiography and advanced diagnostic methods, and patients are offered more aesthetic and biocompatible restoration options such as composite and porcelain according to their needs.
What is an Amalgam Filling?
An amalgam filling is a metal-based restorative filling material used in place of hard tooth tissue lost due to tooth decay. It is obtained by mixing metals such as silver, copper, and tin in specific proportions together with mercury, and creates a structure that shows high durability when hardened.
It has been one of the most widely used filling materials in dentistry for many years. The reason why it is preferred especially in the back teeth is that it shows high resistance against chewing forces.
What Are the Clinical Usage Areas of Amalgam Fillings?
Amalgam fillings have been used safely for many years especially in:
• Teeth with large cavities
• Molar teeth
• Areas carrying high chewing forces.
Although its usage frequency has decreased today with the widespread use of aesthetic filling materials, it is still a preferred treatment option in some situations requiring high durability.
Why Are Amalgam Fillings Used Less Today?
Aesthetic expectations have become important in modern dentistry. Since amalgam fillings cannot mimic natural tooth color, they are preferred less today in regions where aesthetic expectations are high.
Therefore:
• Composite (white filling)
• Porcelain inlay/onlay restorations are used more frequently.
Are Amalgam Fillings Harmful?
In scientific evaluations, it is accepted that there is no obligation requiring the routine removal of intact and correctly applied amalgam fillings.
However, in some specific cases (suspension of allergy, pregnancy, systemic diseases, or individual sensitivities), a dentist's evaluation carries importance.
What Are the Advantages of Amalgam Fillings?
• High chewing durability
• Long-lasting use
• Stable results in large cavities
• Can be applied in a single session
• Strong functional support in the back teeth
What Are the Disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings?
• Aesthetically, it does not harmonize with the natural tooth color
• Darkening can be seen over time
• It is not preferred in the front region due to its metallic appearance
• Rarely, metal sensitivity can be seen
• It is restricted in some countries due to environmental impacts
How is an Amalgam Filling Done?
Amalgam filling application consists of the following stages:
• Detection of decay with examination and X-ray
• Application of local anesthesia
• Cleaning out the decayed tissue
• Preparation of a suitable cavity in the tooth
• Preparation of the amalgam material
• Placement and shaping of the filling
• Surface correction and polishing
• Bite control and final adjustment
What is the Lifespan of an Amalgam Filling?
Depending on oral hygiene, chewing forces, and teeth grinding habits, amalgam fillings can generally be used for 10 to 30 years.
How is Amalgam Filling Removal Performed?
Amalgam filling removal is not a routine procedure. It is performed with special isolation techniques in necessary situations.
During removal:
• Rubber-dam isolation
• Powerful aspiration
• Use of protective equipment is applied.
How is the Evaluation Process of Amalgam Fillings?
In modern clinics in Adana, such as Dentrum, amalgam fillings are evaluated with:
• Digital radiography
• Intraoral scanning
• Clinical examination.
In the Seyhan, Çukurova, Yüreğir, and Sarıçam regions, the marginal adaptation of the filling, the presence of secondary decay underneath, and aesthetic needs are analyzed.
What Are the Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings?
The most frequently used alternatives today are:
• Composite (white filling)
• Porcelain inlay / onlay
• Glass ionomer fillings
Amalgam Filling Hakkında Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
Since amalgam filling treatment in Adana is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. Following the process, a mild sensation of sensitivity, tingling, or hot-cold sensitivity may be seen, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours. This situation is temporary and resolves spontaneously in a short time.
Due to its metal content, an amalgam filling reacts with oxygen and sulfur compounds in the oral environment over time, and color darkening can occur. This situation is generally an aesthetic change and does not impair the durability of the filling.
Amalgam fillings can preserve their function for an average of 10 to 30 years, depending on oral care habits and usage conditions. This period varies according to the individual's oral hygiene, teeth grinding habits, chewing forces, and the size of the filling.
When an amalgam filling falls out, the tooth surface becomes open to external factors, and the risk of sensitivity, progression of decay, and pain increases. In such a case, a dentist must be consulted without delay.
Amalgam fillings are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and do not pose an obstacle to having an MRI scan.
Intact amalgam fillings with good marginal adaptation generally do not cause bad breath. However, if there is leakage, decay, or plaque accumulation at the edge of the filling, an odor may occur.
An allergic reaction to an amalgam filling is rare. In people with metal sensitivity, a burning sensation in the mouth, taste changes, or local irritation may be seen.
Amalgam filling treatment in Adana dental clinics is generally completed in a single session. The decay is cleaned out, the filling is prepared, and the procedure is finished during the same appointment.
Old amalgam fillings should only be replaced if there is a problem. Routine replacement is not recommended unless there is marginal leakage, a fracture, a crack, secondary decay, or an aesthetic need.