Dental Amalgam: Is It Still in Use?

13The addition of restorative material to a tooth is a common procedure for dentists. Simple and effective, its purpose is to repair a tooth that has been fractured or damaged by decay as well as wear and tear.

Once in place, dental fillings restore tooth integrity, prevent the spread of decay and preserve mastication functions. But what are the different types of materials used to fill cavities, and what are their advantages?

The Worst Enemies of Teeth

Dental Cavities

Tooth decay is a sneaky disease caused by bacteria that feed on the sugars in our diet and represents the main enemy of our teeth. It creates cavities in the enamel, then in the dentine, and can even reach the pulp (the living part of the tooth).

If left untreated, decay will progress and can lead to pain, infection and, ultimately, tooth loss. Obstructing the cavities caused by tooth decay is an effective solution to halt this progression. By removing the decayed area and replacing it with a restorative material, the dentist can successfully repair the tooth.

Fractured Teeth

Dental fractures are often the result of trauma or stress exerted on the teeth during chewing. It may be minimal, affecting only the enamel, or more significant, reaching the dentine or even the root of the tooth.

Whatever the reason, it requires rapid intervention to prevent the fracture from worsening and the tooth from becoming even more fragile. The materials used by dentists can be used to glue the fractured tooth back together, restoring its shape and function.

Wear and Tear

Tooth wear can be problematic, as it typically leads to damages to the enamel, exposing the already sensitive dentine, which can in turn cause pain, fractures and hypersensitivity.

It also impairs mastication functions, leading to articulation problems and affecting the aesthetics of the smile. Left untreated, tooth wear and tear can lead to serious complications requiring costly dental care, such as more extensive restorations or even dentures.

The Evolution of Materials

Dental amalgam used to be one of the most widely used materials. However, it had the disadvantage of being silver in colour, making it unsightly.

Today, composite resin has largely replaced dental amalgam. This material can be tinted to match the natural colour of the teeth, offering a much more aesthetic result.

Dental Amalgam

Amalgam is a metal alloy. It offers excellent compressive strength and a long service life. Its greyish colour makes it less attractive, and it can be perceived as cold to the touch. Environmental concerns linked to certain products used in its composition have led to a reduction in its use.

Composite Resin

Composite resin is a polymer material that has revolutionized the world of dentistry. Composed of resin-bonded glass or quartz particles, it can be tinted to perfectly match the natural colour of teeth. This material offers excellent adhesion to tooth enamel, enabling more realistic restorations.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer is a biocompatible material that releases fluoride, making it an attractive choice for restorations of deciduous teeth or for patients at high risk of cavities. It is often used for small-cavity restorations or as a base under a composite restoration.

Ceramics

Ceramic is a highly aesthetic material, typically used for large-cavity restorations. It offers excellent resistance to staining, enabling it to reproduce the natural appearance of the tooth. However, it is more fragile than composite resin and requires more extensive preparation of the tooth.

Gold

Gold is a noble, highly resistant and biocompatible material. It is used for large-cavity restorations. This material is very aesthetic and offers exceptional durability. Note that this material can be relatively expensive, which often limits its use.

The Day of the Intervention

First, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area requiring treatment. Next, a burr is used to remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, as well as any infected tissue. The cavity created is carefully cleaned and prepared to receive the restorative material.

The dentist then applies the composite resin or chosen restorative material in successive layers, sculpting it into the desired shape. Once the resin has polymerized, they polish it to a smooth, shiny finish.

To ensure the longevity of dental repairs and restorations, it is essential to adopt good oral hygiene habits. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist, help prevent tooth decay. Periodic check-ups and scaling also help to maintain good dental health.

Don’t hesitate to consult your dentist if you have any questions or suspect dental decay or cavities.