Definition
A seal (tooth seal) is colloquially called a tooth filling made of amalgam, a mercury alloy (silver amalgam). Individual components of this filling material are:
- Silver (40%)
- Tin (32%)
- Copper (30%)
- Indium (5%)
- Mercury (3%) and
- Zinc (2%).
Discussions about the seal
Amalgam dental fillings are still the subject of many discussions today. Critics are of the opinion that the mercury content has a damaging effect on the organism. However, various studies have shown that this damaging effect only occurs at a mercury concentration of about 50%.
Furthermore, it has been found that an intact seal does not release any mercury. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have amalgam fillings checked at regular intervals and defective seals replaced quickly. In general, patients who have several different heavy metals in the oral cavity (for example amalgam, gold and silver) usually have a higher mercury value.
This fact can be explained by the fact that a so-called electrochemical corrosion takes place due to the interactions of the different materials, which means that mercury particles are released from the seal. The stress during the chewing process can also lead to abrasion and the associated release of copper and/or tin particles. In a healthy organism, mercury is excreted via the urine, i.e. via the kidneys, but it can also lead to the deposition of certain amounts of mercury in various organs and tissues of the body.
As the nerve tissue in particular is surrounded by fat cells, damage to the nerve cells often occurs. For these reasons, seals should not be used on pregnant women and kidney patients. A health hazard caused by seals has not been proven to date. A large number of studies even prove that a seal has absolutely no harmful effects. Only the occurrence of pigment disorders (so-called amalgam tattoos) of the oral mucosa is due to the presence of a seal.
