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Materials in Dental Amalgam Fillings. Because dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. Therefore, the chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the: silver; copper; alloy particles to form an amalgam.

Because fluoride for children is an essential treatment. Therefore it helps to prevent decay and helps them grow with a healthy dentition. The guidelines for fluoride are based on their age to ensure adequate levels are met. Children under the age of two should not receive any topical form of fluoride due to the potential of swallowing it. Many communities contain fluoridated drinking water and is adequate for children two and under.

Becouse amalgam fillings or otherwise known as silver mercury fillings are composed of different metals including: silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury as the primary metal. Therefore, amalgam fillings were widely used for restorations in the past. But, studies now show they may have negative effects on the teeth and overall health. Some cities have even began to place a ban using this material for restorations.

Children should have their first dental checkup within 6 months of their first tooth eruption or by their first birthday. At this age only a visual exam will be done but early dental problems may be detected and parental questions can be answered. Early checkups also provide the child with a safe first experience.

Dental Fillings. Silver mercury fillings also known as dental amalgams have been in use since the 19th century. They are composed of a mixture of silver, tin, copper and mercury. Composite fillings, first introduced in the 1960’s have undergone many generational improvements and are now both strong and cosmetic alternatives to silver mercury fillings.

Inlays and Onlays also known as indirect fillings, offer a well-fitting, stronger, longer lasting solution to tooth decay or similar damage. Unlike direct restorations such as composite resin or Amalgam fillings, Inlays and Onlays Inlays are extremely stable restorative solutions for the treatment of decay.

Preserving Tooth Structure. Maintaining tooth structure increases the prognosis of the tooth if the restoration should fail in the future. It is important to maintain as much of the original tooth structure in order to preserve its integrity, strength, and reduce postoperative sensitivity.

Dr. Kopel speaks about the inlays and onlays we used to restore a damaged tooth. Today we use porcelain instead of gold because porcelain onlays rely only on bond strength.

Ceramic Inlays and Onlays. An inlay or onlay is a type of material which is placed inside or over the surface of a decayed or damaged tooth and are seen as a good alternative to a crown. They are made from a variety of materials such as gold or ceramic and cover the top surface of a tooth.

Gold vs. Porcelain Onlays. An onlay is a restoration that does just that and is recommended instead of a crown procedure.