| If my tooth doesn't
hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need
to be replaced?
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause
dental fillings, or restorations, to wear away, chip or crack. Although
you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your
dentist can identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular
check-up.
If the seal between the tooth enamel and the restoration breaks
down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way
under the restoration. You then run the risk of developing additional
decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated can progress to
infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscess.
If the restoration is large or the recurrent decay is extensive,
there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement
filling. In these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling
with a crown.
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Are dental amalgams safe?
Yes. Dental amalgam has been used in tooth restorations worldwide
for more than 100 years. Studies have failed to find any link between
amalgam restorations and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues
to be a safe restorative material for dental patients, however,
there is a lot of new research coming out about this and it is best
to direct your questions regarding fillings to Dr. White.
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Is it possible to have an allergic reaction
to amalgam?
Only a very small number of people are allergic to amalgam fillings.
Fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported. In these rare instances,
mercury may trigger an allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam
allergy are very similar to a typical skin allergy. Often patients
who are truly allergic to amalgam have a medical or family history
of allergies to metals. If there is a confirmed allergy, another
restorative material will be used.
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Is there a filling material that matches
tooth color?
Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored, plastic materials (made
of glass and resin) that are used both as fillings and to repair
defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is difficult
to distinguish them from natural teeth. Composites are often used
on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They
can be used on the back teeth as well depending on the location
and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins are usually more
costly than amalgam fillings, because they require more time and
technique to apply. As the materials are more expensive and the
labor of putting them in is more intense, composite fillings cost
more than silver fillings. |
