Dental amalgam
Dental Amalgam
Dental amalgam (pronunciation: /ˈden.təl əˈmæl.ɡəm/) is a type of dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It has been used for over 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients around the world.
Etymology
The term "amalgam" comes from the Greek word "malagma," meaning "soft or malleable." The prefix "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dens," which means "tooth."
Composition
Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Sometimes, small amounts of zinc, palladium, or indium are used.
Use and Safety
Dental amalgam fillings are durable and more affordable than other types of materials such as composite resins. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of dental amalgam due to the mercury content. The World Health Organization and American Dental Association have stated that dental amalgam is safe for use.
Alternatives
Alternatives to dental amalgam include composite resin, glass ionomer cement, and gold fillings. These materials are more aesthetic but can be less durable and more expensive.
Disposal and Environmental Impact
Improper disposal of dental amalgam can lead to mercury entering the environment. Many countries have regulations in place to ensure safe disposal and recycling of dental amalgam waste.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dental amalgam
- Wikipedia's article - Dental amalgam
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