Dental Amalgam Composition and Properties

Composition

• A mixture of mercury (45-50%), silver (30-40%), tin (10-20%), copper (5-10%), and zinc (1-5%)
• Mercury is the primary component, responsible for binding other metals together

Properties

• High strength and durability
• Resistance to corrosion and wear
• Good marginal seal and adaptation to tooth structure
• Low cost and ease of use

Uses

• Restorative material for dental fillings
• Used to fill cavities in posterior teeth (molars and premolars)
• Not commonly used for anterior teeth (incisors and canines) due to aesthetic concerns

Controversies

• Mercury toxicity concerns: release of mercury vapor during placement and removal of amalgam fillings
• Potential health risks: neurological damage, kidney damage, and allergies
• Environmental concerns: mercury release during waste disposal and cremation

Alternatives

• Composite resin: tooth-colored, aesthetic, and mercury-free
• Gold inlays: more expensive, but durable and aesthetically pleasing
• Ceramic inlays: tooth-colored, durable, and mercury-free

Safety Precautions

• Use of rubber dams to minimize mercury vapor release
• Proper ventilation and suction during placement and removal
• Handling and disposal of amalgam waste according to environmental regulations

Composition of Amalgam

• Amalgam composed of mercury (45-50%), silver (30-40%), tin (10-20%), copper (5-10%), and zinc (1-5%)
• Mercury is the primary component, binding other metals together

Properties of Amalgam

• High strength and durability
• Resistant to corrosion and wear
• Provides good marginal seal and adaptation to tooth structure
• Low cost and ease of use

Uses of Amalgam

• Primary material for dental fillings in posterior teeth (molars and premolars)
• Not commonly used for anterior teeth (incisors and canines) due to aesthetic concerns

Controversies Surrounding Amalgam

• Mercury toxicity concerns: release of mercury vapor during placement and removal
• Potential health risks: neurological damage, kidney damage, and allergies
• Environmental concerns: mercury release during waste disposal and cremation

Alternatives to Amalgam

• Composite resin: tooth-colored, aesthetic, and mercury-free
• Gold inlays: durable, aesthetically pleasing, and more expensive
• Ceramic inlays: tooth-colored, durable, and mercury-free

Safety Precautions for Amalgam Use

• Use of rubber dams to minimize mercury vapor release
• Proper ventilation and suction during placement and removal
• Handling and disposal of amalgam waste according to environmental regulations