In the past, dentists relied on amalgam mixtures of metals, such as tin, copper, or silver, usually mixed with liquid mercury as a bonding agent, to fill cavities. Though durable, these repairs don’t bond with enamel and expand and contract with temperature changes, which can eventually cause additional damage to the underlying tooth.
Thankfully, dentists today usually use biocompatible, customizable materials to treat tooth decay, but many patients wonder if repairs made with this material last as long. Continue reading to learn more about their typical lifespan!
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