Amalgam
The use of Amalgam has become controversial in Dentistry. This page is provided by Doctor Erickson so readers may form their own conclusions.
Doctor Erickson does not use Amalgam in his practice. Instead, he uses porcelain or gold inlay restorations.
What is Dental Amalgam?
Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of the compound. Mercury is used to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found to be the only element that will bind these metals together in such a way that can be easily manipulated into a tooth cavity. Source: The Academy of General Dentistry.
The Dentsply / Caulk Company is the manufacturer of one of the most widely used types of dental amalgam. Here is their formula:
| Silver | 69.3% |
| Tin | 17.9% |
| Copper | 11.8% |
| Zinc | 1% |
| Mercury Ratio | 50% |
Supporters of Amalgam
The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to support the use of Amalgam to restore teeth, and maintains that the material is safe. Click here for the full ADA Statement on Dental Amalgam.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) also continues to support the use of Amalgam. Click here for the full AGD Statement on Dental Amalgam.
Opponents of Amalgam
In opposition to the ADA and AGD views, some organizations have been increasingly vocal in their appeals for the material to be banned.
Here are some links to opposition groups and information:
Article on Amalgam from the Chicago Tribune