A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: amalgam?

8 doctors weighed in across 6 answers
Dr. John Comisi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

A Filling material: Amalgam refers to the silver type of filling materials that are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. It is a compilation of various metals that can be placed within the cavity preparation created by the dentist to remove decay. Today more fillings are done with "white" filling material instead of sliver.

Answered 6/20/2015

5.5k views

Thank

A silver filling: Amalgam is an alloy of mercury with various metals used for dental fillings. It commonly consists of about 50 % mercury.

Answered 10/4/2016

5.5k views

Thank

a mixture: An 'amalgam' is a mixture of different substances. Dental amalgam is a mixture of different metals (silver, copper, tin, zinc, etc.) with mercury. Adding mercury to dental alloy converts the hard metals to a putty that can be used to fill cavities in teeth. The 'putty' hardens into a solid mass...Known as a 'silver filling'.

Answered 4/14/2014

5.4k views

Thank
Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Dental filling: Dental amalgam is a material used as a filling to replace tooth structure lost as a result of decay or fracture and is produced by mixing liquid mercury with solid particles of an alloy of silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc. Although it has been used for over 100 years and is an outstanding material that has stood the test of time, over the years it has been increasingly replaced by.

Answered 12/9/2013

5.4k views

Thank

Filling material: Amalgam (silver filling) is an alloy of mercury, silver, tin, copper and other trace metals. Amalgam is commonly used due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, and durability. The use of amalgam has decreased recently because of the increased concern with esthetics and the argument over mercury.

Answered 1/24/2013

5.3k views

Thank
Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Amalgam definition: an alloy of mercury mixed with silver. Dental amalgam is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay.

Answered 8/5/2014

3.8k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Do you know if nickel contains amalgam?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Concerns with amalgam fillings, what to do?

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

A member asked:

What are the steps for a proper amalgam filling removal?

5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

A member asked:

Is there a way to get amalgam fillings replaced for free?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Should i be getting amalgam fillings in wet environments?

A doctor has provided 1 answer