Should Our Teeth Be Filled or Crowned After Amalgam Filling Change?

Amalgam fillings are a mixture of silver, copper and tin powders soaked in mercury. They have been used as filling materials in dentistry for many years. Amalgam fillings were often preferred in the old days of dentistry due to their easy availability, ease of application and cheapness.

Since amalgam fillings are mechanically attached to the tooth, additional expansion may be needed after the tooth is cleaned of decay. After this expansion, an amalgam filling is placed on the tooth. However, after this expansion, the tooth loses too much substance and its resistance to chewing forces decreases.

Since amalgam material transmits chewing forces directly to the tooth, it can cause many micro cracks in the tooth itself. In fact, most of the time, patients come to us not because "my amalgam filling broke, but because my tooth broke." This is reflected as a result of our teeth not being able to withstand long-term chewing forces and the accumulation of stress within themselves.

So, what restorations can be made to our teeth after the amalgam filling is replaced?

• First of all, after the amalgam filling change, the teeth can be filled using a composite that does not contain BPA (bisphenol A). Fillings are often supported with fiber-reinforced filling materials to withstand chewing forces.
• If the remaining tooth tissue after the amalgam filling change is suitable for the “inlay, onlay” filling structure, also called porcelain filling, the porcelain filling option can also be considered according to your doctor’s recommendation.
• Finally, if the remaining tooth tissue after amalgam filling replacement is not very suitable for composite filling and porcelain filling options, if the material loss is too much, especially if there is loss of three of the four walls of the tooth, porcelain veneers are often preferred in the restoration of the tooth.

The most appropriate restoration selection after amalgam filling replacement will be the most appropriate option for your mouth, teeth and chewing structure, with the recommendation of your physician.

Healthy Days.