Amalgam Fillings
When you think of dental fillings to treat a cavity, you probably think of amalgam fillings. These fillings have been around for about 150 years and have been used to treat cavities and tooth decay in hundreds of millions of patients worldwide. They are silver in color and popular because they are durable and relatively inexpensive, so they provide long-lasting protection.
The Basics on Amalgam Dental Fillings
Amalgam fillings are a mixture of several materials, including:
- Liquid, or elemental, mercury (about 50%)
- A powder alloy that includes silver, tin and copper (about 50%)
The liquid mercury binds with the other alloys to form an amalgam. These fillings are commonly referred to as silver because they appear silver in the mouth.
Our dentists use amalgam fillings to treat cavities and prevent future tooth decay. First, we use specialized dental tools to remove the decay. Then we mix the ingredients to form the amalgam and place it inside your tooth where the decay used to be. It hardens quickly and forms a solid filling that is strong, durable and unlikely to break. It is also one of the least expensive materials available for dental fillings, so it’s often covered by dental insurance, which makes it a popular choice for many people.
Amalgam Dental Fillings and Your Safety
Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which may raise concerns for people who are aware that high levels of mercury exposure can be harmful to your health. However, it’s important to note that the amount of mercury in an amalgam filling is extremely low, and multiple studies over the years have shown that these fillings do not put you at higher risk for any long-term health or safety concerns.
Amalgam has an indisputable safety record, and the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report stating that there is no health reason not to use amalgam for dental purposes. When in place, amalgam fillings effectively restore the health and function of your teeth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have also reviewed studies and continue to affirm that there is no scientific evidence that mercury exposure through amalgam fillings is harmful for adults or children over the age of 6.
Additional Options for Dental Fillings
While amalgam fillings are perfectly safe, some people want a more natural look than these silver-colored fillings provide. Young Family Dental also offers white fillings for anyone who prefers that option. Talk to our family dentists today about the choices available and we can help you decide what type of filling will meet your needs and fit your budget.
If you think you may have a cavity, schedule an appointment in our Orem, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Riverton or West Jordan office today for a consultation on your options for dental fillings.
- I had Molds done today, it was painless and effortless cus My dental hygienist Mark Martinez was amazingly helpful. He sweetly helped me stop panicking cus i didn't breathe through my nose. I'm looking forward to my next appointments like always, because all front desk folks treat me so well. I have not great teeth but no one there has ever caused me embarrassment nor made me uncomfortable (which is opposite of past dentists). Thank you for giving me a confident smile since I began coming to you guys about 5 years ago 💕Young Family Dental Thanks JJread moreread less
- Came into young family dental today got some good and bad news need a tooth pulled and root canal the reassured me that everything was going to be okay and you have a beautiful smile at the end of the appointment they even took hundred dollars off my missed Susan was very nice and was a sweetheart thank you young family dental you are the bestread moreread less
- Dr. Garvis made my experience working on my teeth as painless as possible, and has been vigilant making sure I have been comfortable, and happy with a difficult case. He went above what I've ever experienced at a dentist. Plus he has good staff that are friendly as he is. Pretty charismatic guy.read moreread less
- Updated Review January 2024
After a not-so-great experience at Young Family Dental, I was hesitant, but Dr. Gervasi and assistant Abby turned things around for me. Following a previous bad encounter, they took the time to understand and address my dental issues, making me willing to stick with Young Family Dental as long as Dr. Gervasi is there. His thorough examination and caring approach transformed my dental visit into a positive one.
June 2023
My experience with Young Family Dental in 2023 has been extremely disappointing. After seeking their help for an extraction in June, I developed a persistent, excruciating pain in my gums on the side where the extraction was performed. The doctor initially dismissed it, attributing it to a possible nerve irritation. However, as the months passed, the pain only worsened, affecting my sleep and causing headaches.
Upon returning to the office, the doctor's response was equally unsatisfactory. He admitted to not having encountered such a case before and promised to research further. The conversation felt awkward and left me questioning the competence of the dental care provided. It's disheartening because I've never had issues with previous dentists, and I deeply regret not researching Young Family Dental's reviews before choosing their services. I wouldn't recommend this dental office to anyone.read moreread lessWent in to young family dental today as a new patient. Had to change dentist due to insurance. So I was very nervous and skeptical about changing. But Madi who assisted me was very responsive and helpful. Will definitely go back and will refer my friends and family.read moreread lessI had an infected tooth for almost 2 weeks. Nobody would see me. I went in to get x-rays done. They looked at it and said it needed to be out and pulled it out. John and Amanda were the absolute best 👌 they Checked on me constantly during the process and made sure that I was comfortable and relaxed and helped me feel like I was safe. 10 out 10 for them them!!!! Definitely going back.read moreread less - Dr. Park at Young Family Dental (my Dentist these past few years) has been profoundly professional and ethical in all of my experiences with him. He is a highly-skilled and friendly man; a very effective Dentist with great support from an excellent staff. GO HERE.read moreread less
- Dr white was incredible. I’ve had atleast 20 different dentists in my 25 years of dental work and she was incredible. She was so good and I didn’t feel anything and she’s trying to help my entire smile. She cared so much and has the best work I’ve ever seen done. So grateful I found her 🙂read moreread less
- Jared from the Orem Office was a great help to my mother! She couldn’t speak English, but he was so patient in explaining the procedures to the best of his abilities. In fact, he was so great at taking care of my mother that I decided to come back for my own treatments. Thank you to the Orem office and staff!!read moreread less
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“These guys are awesome! I had a tooth break on a Friday afternoon and they got me in right away! I’ve since seen 3 different dentists there and have no complaints. The office staff is incredible and friendly. I still am not a huge fan of going to the dentist, but this office has really helped alleviate my fears and dental anxiety. I would recommend them to anyone.”
Ashleigh Jackson
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I’ve known Dr. Chris for over 10 years, and my experience with him has been awesome. I got Invisalign with him to straighten my teeth, and it was incredible to have straight teeth! It was great, too, that I was an adult and I didn’t have to walk around with braces like a teenage weirdo. Chris and YFD are excellent, I highly recommend them.
Johnny Thomas
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Anne Marie Gross referred me to your office and has had nothing but great things to say about you! I am looking forward to scheduling an appointment soon!
Rashael Stocking Matthews
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Deron Gross- when I went to young family dental they treated me very nicely and took great care of me:) appreciate all the work they’ve done:)
Deron Deron
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I took both my 8 year old and 3 year old daughters there, and it was great experience from beginning to end. It was the first time for my 3 year old (don’t judge me ?) Jacqueline was great at making it a fun experience for her. Jessica helped take care of my 8 year old who had some infection on a tooth she had worked on a while ago. And the dentist was great too. Overall, everyone was friendly, everything was clean, and at the end I had a credit on my account that I didn’t know was there which was an added bonus.
Jessica Murdock
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Young Family Dental Riverton employs the latest technology and procedures. The staff is always friendly and make you feel comfortable.
Chanel Price
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Everything they do is on time and as scheduled. They send you reminders for your appointments. They are great. My entire family goes to Young Family Dental Riverton.
Astony Stino
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I love young family dental! Their assistants are great and make me feel comfortable which is important to me because I don’t like going to the dentist. The dentists are very informative and make me feel at ease as well. They take extra time and care to make sure you fully understand what is being done and what needs to be done. If you need a check up, a cleaning, or work done stop or call young family in Riverton Utah, they are great!!
James Ross
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I love working here.. The dentists, hygienists, and assistants are awesome!!!
Orchid Lopez-Zamarron