| name | Gold Amalgam |
| Classification | Dental restorative material |
| Pharmacokinetics | Gold amalgam is not absorbed systemically. It is a localized material used for dental restorations. Therefore, pharmacokinetic information in the conventional sense is not applicable. |
| suggested dosage | N/A. Gold amalgam is not administered orally or intravenously. It is a filling material used in dental procedures. |
| indications | Used to fill cavities in teeth to restore function and esthetics. It is a strong and durable material, appropriate for posterior teeth (molars and premolars) that require significant strength. Gold amalgam is often a last resort filling option for patients who can't tolerate or do not want other composite materials or other restorations. |
| Safety in pregnancy | Limited data. While amalgam is considered biocompatible, there's a lack of robust, specific studies to definitively support safety in pregnancy. Dental care, including restorative procedures, should be discussed with a healthcare provider during pregnancy, considering potential risks and benefits. |
| Safety in breastfeeding | Limited data. Concerns about mercury exposure are possible. Consult with a healthcare provider, dentist, and lactation consultant for best practices during dental procedures. |
| side effects | | 1 | Potential for mercury exposure | | 2 | Allergic reactions (rare, potentially severe) | | 3 | Corrosion of adjacent tooth structure with repeated exposure (less likely with modern techniques). | | 4 | Post-operative sensitivity or discomfort. |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known allergy or hypersensitivity to mercury or any component of the amalgam alloy | | 2 | Conditions potentially worsening with mercury exposure, although this is debated. The patient history should be reviewed by a dentist and a discussion should take place on the relative risks of amalgam versus the other options. |
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| interactions | N/A. Gold amalgam does not interact with other drugs or medications in a systemic manner, but it may potentially affect adjacent teeth and other dental restorations. Interactions with other restorations should be discussed with the dentist. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Mercury exposure: Although the mercury in amalgam is in a stable form, there's concern about low level exposures. Modern alloys have reduced mercury content, reducing this risk. However, mercury is considered a hazardous metal and exposure should be minimized. | | 2 | Proper technique and material selection by a qualified dentist is important to ensure long-term function and safety | | 3 | Regular dental checkups to monitor the condition of the restoration are important. |
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| additional informations | | 1 | Cost considerations can vary depending on the type of filling used, the location of the filling, and whether the patient needs additional work. | | 2 | The lifespan of a gold amalgam filling can vary. If the filling is not properly cared for, it is more likely to chip, crack, or break, or corrode. This can expose the underlying tooth to bacteria or decay. Patient maintenance and follow-up care is critical to long-term success. | | 3 | Patient age and weight are not directly relevant to the use of gold amalgam as they are not a pharmaceutical drug. |
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