During placement of amalgam pins, the number of pins per cusp is:
a- 1 pin.***
b- 2 pins.
c- 3 pins.
d- 4 pins.
----------------------------
What is a dental amalgam?
Dental amalgam, commonly called sealing, is a metal alloy obtained by the mixture of liquid mercury and other metals (silver, copper, tin and zinc powders). It is used to restore teeth with cavities. There are also other materials to treat decayed teeth (see paragraph below)
It contains mercury. Is it dangerous?
A controversy has existed for decades about a release in the human body of mercury present in the composition of dental amalgam. This controversy raises the question of the risks of fillings with a dental amalgam. It should be noted that mercury is not toxic when used in amounts as low as those present in dental amalgam.
What could be the problems associated with the use of dental amalgam?
To date, no scientifically proven serious pathology has been associated with the placement or removal of an amalgam.
However, as a precaution, it is best not to have several amalgams removed at one time to avoid a peak mercury exposure. For more information, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
For environmental protection reasons, some European countries have already made the choice to partially or totally restrict the use of dental amalgam. Indeed, mercurially released into the environment, mercury can have an impact on the environment.
In Belgium, to limit the harmful effects of mercury on the environment, dentists must recover and treat waste associated with dental amalgam. In practice, this is done by having a dust recovery system of these amalgam. This system is attached to the suction system used by the dentist. This reduces the risk of mercury particles entering sewers. The contents of the system are then discharged into approved collectors.
What are the main disadvantages of dental amalgam?
Dental amalgam has two major disadvantages: they are unattractive and contain oxidation products that sometimes color the gum.
It can also happen that the patient feels pain in contact with hot and / or cold.
What are the main benefits of dental amalgam?
The main advantage is undoubtedly their solidity since they resist a strong pressure. In addition, their cost is not high and they solidify quickly after installation, which allows to eat normally fairly quickly.
Are dental amalgam dangerous for the pregnant or breastfeeding woman?
No, it has not been proven that the minute amounts of mercury that can be released by dental amalgam pose risks to the fetus or newborn breastfed.
For the sake of caution, the FAMHP nevertheless invites pregnant or breastfeeding women to defer, if possible, the insertion or removal of a dental amalgam. They can also, if they wish, be asked alternative materials dental amalgam (see below: other techniques of treatment of dental caries). Do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
Can dental amalgam be used in children?
Yes, given the lack of a proven link between the occurrence of health problems and dental amalgam.
That said, if small caries are detected early and parents do not want dental amalgam to be put in their children, alternative materials can be used (see below: other dental caries techniques) .
Are there any contraindications for use?
Like all substances in contact with the human body, dental amalgam can, in exceptional cases, cause allergic reactions or certain inflammatory phenomena. These reactions must be given a lot of attention.
The FAMHP does not recommend the use of dental amalgam in patients with a known allergy to metals (number of patients estimated to be 1: 100,000) or in patients with certain kidney diseases.
Finally, the FAMHP advises to limit the contact between dental amalgam and crowns or metal fillings in order to avoid the creation of "micro batteries", that is to say the unpleasant sensation of small electric shocks in the mouth.
a- 1 pin.***
b- 2 pins.
c- 3 pins.
d- 4 pins.
----------------------------
What is a dental amalgam?
Dental amalgam, commonly called sealing, is a metal alloy obtained by the mixture of liquid mercury and other metals (silver, copper, tin and zinc powders). It is used to restore teeth with cavities. There are also other materials to treat decayed teeth (see paragraph below)
It contains mercury. Is it dangerous?
A controversy has existed for decades about a release in the human body of mercury present in the composition of dental amalgam. This controversy raises the question of the risks of fillings with a dental amalgam. It should be noted that mercury is not toxic when used in amounts as low as those present in dental amalgam.
What could be the problems associated with the use of dental amalgam?
To date, no scientifically proven serious pathology has been associated with the placement or removal of an amalgam.
However, as a precaution, it is best not to have several amalgams removed at one time to avoid a peak mercury exposure. For more information, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
For environmental protection reasons, some European countries have already made the choice to partially or totally restrict the use of dental amalgam. Indeed, mercurially released into the environment, mercury can have an impact on the environment.
In Belgium, to limit the harmful effects of mercury on the environment, dentists must recover and treat waste associated with dental amalgam. In practice, this is done by having a dust recovery system of these amalgam. This system is attached to the suction system used by the dentist. This reduces the risk of mercury particles entering sewers. The contents of the system are then discharged into approved collectors.
What are the main disadvantages of dental amalgam?
Dental amalgam has two major disadvantages: they are unattractive and contain oxidation products that sometimes color the gum.
It can also happen that the patient feels pain in contact with hot and / or cold.
What are the main benefits of dental amalgam?
The main advantage is undoubtedly their solidity since they resist a strong pressure. In addition, their cost is not high and they solidify quickly after installation, which allows to eat normally fairly quickly.
Are dental amalgam dangerous for the pregnant or breastfeeding woman?
No, it has not been proven that the minute amounts of mercury that can be released by dental amalgam pose risks to the fetus or newborn breastfed.
For the sake of caution, the FAMHP nevertheless invites pregnant or breastfeeding women to defer, if possible, the insertion or removal of a dental amalgam. They can also, if they wish, be asked alternative materials dental amalgam (see below: other techniques of treatment of dental caries). Do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
Can dental amalgam be used in children?
Yes, given the lack of a proven link between the occurrence of health problems and dental amalgam.
That said, if small caries are detected early and parents do not want dental amalgam to be put in their children, alternative materials can be used (see below: other dental caries techniques) .
Are there any contraindications for use?
Like all substances in contact with the human body, dental amalgam can, in exceptional cases, cause allergic reactions or certain inflammatory phenomena. These reactions must be given a lot of attention.
The FAMHP does not recommend the use of dental amalgam in patients with a known allergy to metals (number of patients estimated to be 1: 100,000) or in patients with certain kidney diseases.
Finally, the FAMHP advises to limit the contact between dental amalgam and crowns or metal fillings in order to avoid the creation of "micro batteries", that is to say the unpleasant sensation of small electric shocks in the mouth.
What should you think about other dental caries techniques?
The FAMHP recalls that the first strategy to avoid tooth decay is to have good oral hygiene.
In addition, alternative materials exist. As an example we can mention the composite resins that are used to seal and reconstruct the teeth. Their main advantage is to imitate the whitish color of the tooth. However, these materials are less durable than dental amalgam and will therefore require more frequent replacement. In addition, they can be more expensive.
Materials used as an alternative to dental amalgam may also have side effects or contraindications. That said, we still do not have enough data on their use and the undesirable effects they could cause.
These alternative materials do not currently supplant dental amalgam because of its many advantages in terms of ease of use, strength, durability and low cost. However, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
How do I know which is the best material to use for my personal case?
The ideal is to seek advice from your dentist. It is he who is the best qualified to inform you properly on the appropriate material because he knows you.
Do not hesitate to ask him any questions you want. He will tell you about the different types of materials with which he can treat your damaged tooth. So, you will choose together what suits you best.
Do you need to replace your dental amalgam?
Without a proven causal link between the appearance of health problems and dental amalgam, the FAMHP does not encourage their replacement. However, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.
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