Amalgam (dentistry) can cross the placenta leading to stillbirths and birth defects. A combination of mercury and non-ionizing radiation has been suggested as a factor in the recent increase in reported autism spectrum disorders. It has been reported that there is a positive correlation between the maternal and cord blood mercury levels. Although there is no evidence linking amalgam use and pregnancy damage, it is advisable to delay or avoid dealing with amalgam fillings in pregnant patients. Dentists are urged by some to consider the selection of restorative material more seriously and avoid using amalgam when possible. The dental operating team should
Amalgam (dentistry) or longer to reach a reasonably high value. At the time when the patient is dismissed from the surgery, typically some 15–20 minutes after placing the filling, the amalgam is relatively weak. Therefore, dentists need to instruct patients not to apply undue stress to their freshly placed amalgam fillings. In addition, amalgam restorations are brittle and susceptible to corrosion. The alloys are broadly classified as low-copper (5% or less copper) and high-copper alloys (13% to 30% copper). The solid particles of the alloy are either spherical or irregularly shaped microspheres of various sizes or a combination of the two. The