Amalgam Fillings in Turkey: Everything You Need to Know Before Restoring Your Smile

For decades, amalgam—commonly known as the “silver filling”—was used worldwide to treat tooth decay. And while it was once considered strong and long-lasting, modern dentistry has shifted away from it because patients now prefer safer, metal-free, and natural-looking materials.

In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised limiting the use of dental amalgam in certain groups—such as pregnant women, children under six, and individuals with kidney issues—due to its mercury content. Source

As a result, most patients today look for advanced alternatives that blend seamlessly with their natural smile. At DentSpa in Turkey, our specialists help patients replace old silver fillings with modern, aesthetic, and biocompatible options that enhance both health and appearance.

An amalgam filling is a composite restoration made from a combination of mercury and other metals. It is used to fill cavities and restore teeth that have decay or damage. 

But what is it, exactly? It is a combination of metals that a dentist uses to fill a decaying tooth. The composition is standard, it has silver, tin, copper, and, yes, mercury. The mercury part is the one that freaks people out, but don’t worry, they’re not that much of a health risk. More on that in the next section.

Even though amalgam fillings are sometimes called ‘silver fillings’, they are not wholly made from silver. The silver just makes them look shiny and metallic, hence the name.

Apart from the combination listed above, some amalgam fillings also feature tiny bits of palladium, zinc, or indium. However, mercury is the special ingredient that makes this mix(es) work.

The mercury lets the filling stick together and mold into the shape of your tooth. That way, cavities and crevices can be filled. 

Mercury is actually the only metal that’s liquid at room temperature. Its defining feature is that it makes the other alloy metals flexible enough to be binded. 

A tiny bit of mercury, when mixed with silver, copper, and tin and other restorative materials, can make the mixture soft enough to be molded into your tooth. The amalgam would not form without the liquid mercury component. As it hardens, it creates a firm and durable restoration that can stand the test of time.

Once this paste hardens, it becomes durable and can handle years of chewing, crunching, and use.

Thus, mercury is preferred because it makes other alloy powders flexible and because it hardens very quickly.

Yes, amalgam fillings have been considered safe for most patients.

Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the UK National Health Service (NHS) state that scientific evidence does not show that dental amalgam causes harm to the general population.

These organizations explain that although amalgam contains mercury, the amount released is extremely small and typically below harmful levels for most people. Some groups—such as pregnant women, children, or people with kidney issues—are advised to avoid it as a precaution, but overall, amalgam has been medically considered a functional and durable material.
But from an aesthetic point of view, amalgam has never been ideal
Even though amalgam is medically safe, it was never the best choice for patients who care about the appearance of their smile. Its dark, metallic color is always visible, creating shadows inside the mouth and making the teeth look darker or older.
So while amalgam can restore chewing function, it does nothing to support a natural, bright, or attractive smile. That is why patients who want a clean, aesthetic look have long preferred modern, metal-free alternatives such as composite fillings, porcelain inlays/onlays, and other tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with the natural enamel.

Although the ADA has declared amalgam fillings safe, they’re not without their disadvantages.

1.  They Contain Mercury

Of course, this is the most obvious drawback of amalgam fillings. As a result of use, minimal levels of mercury are released as vapor into your body. This vapor can be inhaled or absorbed by your lungs. When you’re exposed to high levels of mercury, you stand a risk of brain or kidney damage. However, tests have shown that you don’t need to worry about this, as amalgam fillings are safe. That said, some people still don’t feel comfortable with them.

2. Aesthetics

Amalgam fillings do not fit in with your surrounding teeth. They often appear silver and metallic, unlike other tooth-colored composite fillings. While this is not that big of a deal, some patients don’t like that they’re very visible.

3. Possibility of Cracks

Temperature changes like drinking hot or cold beverages can cause the metal to expand and contract. Amalgam fillings may not wear down easily, but they can get cracks and fissures in your tooth.

4. Allergic Reactions

These are rare, but not unheard of. Some folks are allergic or sensitive to mercury itself or some other alloys in the amalgam filling. This could be the silver, the copper, or even the tin. As a result, getting amalgam fillings may cause oral lesions or other allergic reactions for them. If you’re allergic to any of these metals, amalgam fillings might not be for you. Speak to your dentist about alternatives if you’re worried of any adverse health effects of amalgam.

Amalgam filling is just one type or form of dental fillings. Other types include:

1. Gold Fillings: These are more expensive than dental amalgam fillings, albeit more durable and long-lasting. They contain a mix of gold and other materials. This gives them a bright yellow color.
2. Porcelain Fillings: These are one of the most expensive dental fillings and the reason is not far-fetched. Unlike gold or amalgam restorations which often stand out, porcelain fillings are made to blend in with your surrounding teeth. They also don’t change color over time nor stain.

Composite Fillings: These are also tooth colored, but are made from a mix of synthetic resin and powdered glass filler. They require minimal tooth structure removal and are used to repair tooth decay.

You may be a good candidate for amalgam filling if you:

• Are experiencing tooth decay or cavities
• Have the cavity in a back tooth or do not mind the shiny look
• Don’t have a known metal allergy

You have greater risk of complications from an exposure to mercury if you:

• Are a pregnant woman or are planning to become pregnant within a year of the filling
• Are a breastfeeding mother
• Are a child under the age of 6
• Have some neurological conditions like Parkison’s or Alzheimer’s
• Are allergic to metals like mercury, tin, copper, zinc, or silver
• Have impaired kidney function

The foetuses of pregnant women and the suckling infants and newborns of nursing women are also at risk from this exposure to mercury.

The procedure employed by your dentist may vary slightly, but a typical amalgam filling procedure goes like this:

1. Your dentist uses local anesthesia to numb your tooth.
2. They remove the decayed part from your tooth.
3. In the case of a cavity, the cavity is cleaned and shaped.
4. The amalgam paste is pressed into and used to fill the hole.
5. The amalgam paste hardens quickly.
6. The dentist polishes and smoothens any rough  edges.
7. You test your bite to ensure everything is all good.
8. You’re good to go.

The entire procedure usually gets completed in about an hour.

This may not apply to everyone, but patients have reported experiencing any or a combination of these effects temporarily:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Gum soreness
• Pain when biting
• A metallic taste

Usually, most patients go back to normal eating within 24 hours.

Amalgam fillings are great for filling up cavities and restoring decayed teeth, but they’re considered an old option.

These days, composite fillings are the rage. They’re natural-looking, mercury-free, and more advanced than amalgam fillings. Speaking of which, if you’re interested in getting a composite filling, Turkey is the place to be. 

When you’re dealing with cavities and other dental problems, you want effective and trusted dental treatment. Turkey is known for its cosmetically advanced dental procedures and clinics.

One clinic that particularly stands out from the rest is Dentspa in Istanbul. It is known for offering safe, reliable, and affordable dental care.

Second to none, Dentspa has been named the Best Clinic in Europe. In fact, their procedures have helped restore the confidence of more than 50,000 patients.

People from the UK, US, Canada, and all over the globe fly down to DentSpa in Istanbul to take advantage of its welcoming, soothing, and healing atmosphere. 

At DentSpa, you’ll have access to both amalgam and composite fillings, but the team specializes in ultra-modern composite fillings.

The entire composite filling procedure will take place in an environment that’s built for comfort and care. Pair that with over 25 years of dental healthcare, and you’ll see why patients trust them with their smiles.
Don’t wait, see how the DentSpa team can help you. If you have any questions or inquiries, reach out today.