Dental Health Magazine Dental Health Magazine Issue 8 | Página 51

Issue #8, December 2017
But nevertheless, amalgam can leech and erode over time if not placed properly and preparation
of the “box” before amalgam placement is the most crucial step in ensuring the longevity of the
filling. Amalgam also tends to stain and cause surrounding tooth area to be “slightly” greyish
over time, though recent advancements of amalgam may be decreased this incident (the use
of varnish before placement of amalgams)
Amalgams are placed firstly by preparing the cavity, making sure it is void of any decayed
structures and preparing it in a box-like manner, followed by placing the amalgam in and
compacting it and lastly by polishing it.
Contrary to popular belief, amalgams WILL NOT cause any systemic illnesses to the human body.
It certainly is not the reason behind bouts of headaches, bodyaches, hallucinations, flu, cough,
fever etc. This is because the alloy itself is inert. A number of independent health agencies have
extensively reviewed the issues of safety and efficacy of amalgam in recent years and have all
concluded that available data does not justify either the discontinuance of use of amalgam or the
removal of existing amalgams. In fact, if you are at all concern, it is the removal of old amalgam
fillings that you should be worried about. Many patients in Malaysia have claimed that amalgams
are causing their “pain” and is the main cause of their various sickness, we would like to make
it clear again that Dental Amalgams are NOT harmful to your health; it is a myth. But that being
said, amalgams as silver fillings are definitely not suitable to be used on your front teeth (unless
you’re an aspiring pirate), hence the existence of composite materials.
This fractured incisor (front tooth) has been restored using composite materials.
Teflon tapes and adequate cotton rolls have been used for isolation.
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