Dental Amalgam, Orono ME

College Avenue Dental Associates

Call us today at ☎ College Avenue Dental Associates Phone Number 207-866-5591 with questions or to make an appointment.

Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. It is a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.

Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. With recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that the vast majority of dental restorations are now tooth colored composites.

There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.

College Avenue Dental Associates
Cosmetic Dentistry

Treatments

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning) Fillings / Restorations Amalgam Fillings Dental Sealants Dentures Immediate Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Denture Care Exams & Maintenance Denture Relines Rebase & Repairs Soft Liners Bridges Crowns Tooth Extractions

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

If you have a fear of dental work

In fact, some studies show that up to 75% of Americans experience some level of dental related fear and 20% avoid dental care because of it. If you have a fear of dental work, we want you to know that making you feel comfortable and safe at our office is our first priority. Dental anxieties and phobias present themselves in a wide variety of ways, and specific fears vary from person to person. Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure.