Silver Colored Fillings For Dental Restoration

Describe briefly the advantages and disadvantages of silver amalgam
Answer:

Advantages of Silver Amalgam:

Reasonably easy to insert.
Not overly technique-sensitive.
Maintains anatomic form well.
Has adequate resistance to fracture.
After a period of time prevents marginal leakage.
Have a reasonably long service life.
Cheaper than other alternative posterior restorative materials like gold alloys.
Wears well and causes minimal wear of natural teeth.

Disadvantages of Silver Amalgam:

The color does not match the tooth structure.
They are more brittle and can fracture if incorrectly placed.
They are subject to corrosion and galvanic shock.
Corrosion products may stain teeth over time.
They eventually show marginal breakdown.
They do not bond to the tooth structure.
Risk of mercury toxicity.
Requires removal of some healthy tooth structures for cavity designing.
Galvanic action: Contact with other metals may cause occasional, minute electrical flow.
Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold because it is a metal.

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