Oral Health and Dental Management

Dental Amalgams: Composition and Characteristics

Amara Lori^* Department of Oral Pathology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
^*Correspondence: Amara Lori, Department of Oral Pathology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy, Email:

Received: 12-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. OHDM-23-19743; Editor assigned: 16-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. OHDM-23-19743(PQ); Reviewed: 06-Feb-2023, QC No. OHDM-23-19743; Revised: 16-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. OHDM-23-19743(R); Published: 24-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2247-2452.23.22.1038

Description

Dental amalgam, a mixture of liquid mercury and a metal alloy, is used to fill cavities brought on by tooth decay. Mercury (50%) as well as other trace metals is typically found in low-copper amalgam, along with silver (22%-32%), tin (14%), zinc (8%) and other metals. Amalgam has long been utilized for restorations, also referred to as fillings. Many formulations were tested before 1900, but only a few numbers were successful when used in an oral setting. Small quantities of copper and sometimes zinc were added around 1900. Because it stops the other metals in the alloy from oxidizing during the manufacturing process, zinc serves as a scavenger. By easily interacting with oxygen to generate zinc oxide, zinc is able to achieve this. This balanced recipe produced reasonably successful amalgam restorations that lasted longer. Marginal fracture, often known as crack at the tooth-amalgam interface, was still a drawback. It was thought that Sn8Hg was to blame for this issue. This phase, which has been demonstrated to be the least stable in the set amalgam, is prone to corrosion, especially at the amalgam- tooth interface. Liquid mercury is combined with a solid alloy of silver, tin and copper to create dental amalgam. Some alloys may contain trace amounts of zinc, mercury, and other metals. Amalgam alloy is the name given to this mixture of solid particles. The Standard for dental amalgam alloy regulates the mix of the alloy particles to manage the qualities of set amalgam, such as dissolution and setting expansion. It’s critical to distinguish between dental amalgam and the commercially produced and marketed amalgam alloy, which is available as tiny filings, spherical particles, or an addition of these and is appropriate for combining with liquid mercury to create dental amalgam. Amalgam is most frequently used for big foundation implants, or cores, which come before putting crowns, direct, permanent posterior restorations. Amalgamation is the name given to the reaction that occurs when mercury and alloy are combined. It will produce the development of a workable, silver-gray substance that can be compressed into cavities. The dental amalgam condenses, is carved to provide the necessary anatomical features and then hardens over time. Prior to, the alloy’s standard composition was referred to as ordinary amalgam alloy.

A mixture of two or more metals and mercury that has been previously cleaned by distillation to get rid of impurities is called amalgam. Silver, tin and copper are the alloy’s primary current constituents. The ISO standard for dental amalgam alloy regulates the composition of the powder to regulate the qualities of amalgam. When chewing or grinding because intra- oral tensions, such as creep or plastic deformation, this occurs Creep is the result of the amalgam flowing and extending from the cavity’s edge, creating unsupported edges. Due to mercury creep at the occlusal borders, a “ditch” forms at the edges of the metal restoration following fracture. High values of creep are primarily caused by the second phase of amalgam. When an anode and a cathode are arranged in an electrolytic cell with electrolytes present, corrosion takes place. Dental amalgam’s multiphase structure can act as an anode or a cathode when electrolytes like saliva are used. Set dental amalgam’s structure and mechanical characteristics may be considerably impacted by corrosion. The most reactive phase in typical amalgam is phase 2, which easily forms an anode. It will disintegrate, producing mercury and corrosion products. A portion of the mercury will quickly mix with the unreacted alloy and another portion will be consumed. The likelihood of ditching grows even more. Amalgams that are copper-enriched contain little to no 2 phase. The phase of the amalgam that is most susceptible to corrosion is the copper-tin phase, which takes the role of phase 2 in these materials. However, compared to traditional amalgam, the corrosion is still substantially lower. However, it is believed that rusting really has a therapeutic benefit. In order to reduce micro leakage, the chloride ions will collect and fill the micro gap at the tooth-amalgam contact. However, no complaints of producer surplus leakage for the copper-enriched amalgam fillings have been made, showing that enough corrosion products are formed to close the margins. The term “micro leakage” refers to the tiny gap between such a restorative dentistry and the surface of the tooth preparation where modest quantities of fluids, debris and bacteria can leak through. Recurrent caries are at danger from micro leakage. A potential risk of mercury poisoning from dental amalgam when utilized in dental fillings has been brought up. Although issues have been raised and severe but uncommon allergic reactions have been reported, major health and professional organizations consider amalgam to be safe.