Amalgam Filling: What You Need to Know About Silver Dental Restorations in Jeddah

An amalgam filling (often called a silver filling) is a traditional dental restoration made from a mixture of metals — including silver, tin, copper, and elemental mercury — used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. Though it has been widely used for decades for its strength and durability, many modern clinics in Jeddah such as Tam Dental now recommend tooth-coloured composite fillings as a safer and more aesthetic alternative, especially for visible areas or pregnant women concerned about mercury exposure.

When people hear the term “silver filling,” they’re usually referring to amalgam fillings — one of the oldest and most common types of fillings used worldwide. For over 150 years, dental amalgam has served as a reliable way to restore decayed teeth because it’s tough, long-lasting, and relatively inexpensive.

However, dentistry has evolved. With advancements in composite materials, glass ionomer cements, and fibre-reinforced polymers, patients today have many dental filling options that are more natural-looking and conservative to the tooth structure.

At Tam Dental Center in Jeddah, our English-speaking dentists — trained at top international universities — explain every treatment choice clearly. Whether you need a small filling or a full amalgam restoration replacement, we focus on preserving natural teeth and ensuring biocompatible materials that fit your needs and comfort.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What an amalgam filling is and how it works
• The pros and cons compared to composite fillings
• Safety concerns about mercury exposure
• Suitable alternatives available in modern dental clinics in Jeddah
• Expert advice from Tam Dental specialists

What Is an Amalgam Filling?

A dental amalgam filling is a metallic mixture primarily composed of:

• Silver (≈ 35%)
• Tin and copper (≈ 30%)
• Elemental mercury (≈ 45-50%)

When combined, these elements form a strong, stable alloy that hardens quickly and bonds mechanically to the tooth structure.

Purpose:
Amalgam is used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, particularly in back teeth (molars) where chewing forces are high.

Lifespan:
A well-placed amalgam filling can last 10–15 years or more, sometimes decades with good oral hygiene.

Common Types of Dental Fillings

To understand amalgam’s role, let’s look at the main types of fillings used in dentistry:

Modern clinics in Jeddah like Tam Dental typically recommend composite or ceramic fillings for front teeth and select metal-free options whenever aesthetics or patient health considerations demand it.

How Amalgam Fillings Are Placed

1. Cavity Preparation: The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is shaped to hold the filling.
2. Material Placement: The dentist mixes liquid mercury with alloy powder to form a soft paste.
3. Filling and Condensation: The material is pressed into the cavity and carved to match the tooth shape.
4. Setting Time: Within minutes, the amalgam hardens; final polishing occurs in a subsequent visit.

This technique requires removal of more healthy tooth structure than tooth-coloured fillings, which is one reason composite materials are now preferred in many practices.

Amalgam Filling vs Composite Filling

Is Composite Filling Better than Amalgam?

For many patients, yes — particularly when aesthetics and tooth preservation matter. Composite fillings blend seamlessly with natural teeth and support the remaining tooth structure through chemical bonding.

However, amalgam restorations may still be appropriate for certain cases:

• Deep cavities in molars with heavy chewing load
• Patients seeking a cost-effective option
• Areas where moisture control is difficult during treatment

At Tam Dental, our dentists evaluate each patient’s oral condition and discuss whether amalgam or composite is more suitable, balancing strength, safety, and appearance.

Safety and Mercury Concerns

One of the major debates surrounding amalgam fillings is their exposure to mercury.

Elemental Mercury is used to bind metals together, creating a durable compound. Once set, the filling becomes chemically stable. Scientific reviews from the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. FDA indicate that amalgam fillings release very small mercury vapour levels, far below toxic thresholds for most people.

However, precautions apply:

• Pregnant women and children are advised to avoid new amalgam placements when alternatives exist.
• Patients with kidney disorders or mercury sensitivity should choose composite or ceramic fillings instead.

At Tam Dental Center in Jeddah, we follow the latest international safety standards and provide mercury-free restoration options for all patients.

Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings

1. Composite Resin: The most popular modern choice; bonds to enamel, matches natural colour.
2. Glass Ionomer Cement: Ideal for small cavities or baby teeth; releases fluoride to prevent decay.
3. Fibre-Reinforced Polymers: Advanced materials used in high-stress restorations, combining strength and aesthetics.
4. Ceramic/Porcelain: For long-lasting, stain-resistant restorations or inlays.

Each type of dental filling material has unique benefits, and our specialists help you choose the right one depending on the location of the cavity, cost, and long-term expectations.

Amalgam Removal and Replacement

Replacing old amalgam fillings is a common request, especially among patients seeking tooth-coloured restorations

At Tam Dental, amalgam removal is performed under controlled conditions to minimise mercury vapour exposure:

• High-volume suction and rubber dam isolation
• Clean air filtration and protective equipment
• Safe disposal of old materials

Once removed, the tooth is restored using composite, ceramic, or glass-ionomer fillings that match your natural teeth.

Pregnant Women and Amalgam Fillings

During pregnancy, the primary goal is to maintain oral health while avoiding unnecessary risk. Current guidelines advise that new amalgam placements should be deferred until after delivery if possible.

For existing amalgam fillings, removal is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as the removal process can temporarily increase mercury exposure.

Instead, Tam Dental provides routine check-ups and preventive care to manage any discomfort safely.

Durability and Longevity

Despite modern alternatives, silver fillings remain one of the most durable dental restorations.

• They tolerate high bite pressure
• Resist wear from chewing
• Rarely fracture under stress

However, they do not bond chemically to teeth, which can allow micro-leakage over time. Composite fillings, when properly maintained, now rival amalgam in durability while offering superior aesthetics.

Cost and Availability in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia

Amalgam fillings generally cost less than composite or ceramic options and are available in most dental clinics in Jeddah

That said, premium centers like Tam Dental prioritise modern materials and minimally invasive techniques, providing affordable composite or glass-ionomer solutions with flexible payment options.

With rising awareness about aesthetics and safety, the trend across Saudi Arabia is moving steadily toward mercury-free, tooth-coloured filling materials.

Maintaining Your Dental Fillings

• Brush and floss daily to prevent new decay around existing restorations.
• Avoid biting hard objects that can fracture fillings.
• Schedule regular check-ups every six months for polishing and early detection.
• Replace worn-out or cracked fillings promptly to protect underlying tooth structure.

Why Choose Tam Dental in Jeddah

Tam Dental Clinic combines global expertise with a patient-centered approach. Our dentists are graduates of top international universities and fluent in English, ensuring comfortable communication for expatriates and Saudi residents alike.

We specialise in:

• Comprehensive dental fillings in Jeddah
• Advanced cosmetic restorations using tooth-coloured materials
• Safe replacement of old amalgam restorations
• Preventive dentistry focused on long-term oral health

With cutting-edge technology and evidence-based care, Tam Dental guarantees precise diagnosis, comfortable procedures, and beautiful, natural-looking results.

Professional Advice from Tam Dental Experts

• If your old silver fillings are intact and symptom-free, there’s no urgent need to replace them.
• If you’re experiencing sensitivity, cracks, or aesthetic concerns, consult our restorative team for an evaluation.
• Consider switching to composite or ceramic options when updating restorations for a healthier, more aesthetic smile.
• Maintain routine hygiene visits and follow your dentist’s instructions to extend filling lifespan.

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