Old Silver Fillings Causing You Problems? What You Need To Know About Getting Them Replaced
If you are from the generation where going to the dentist to get cavities filled meant coming home with several silver fillings, you may still have some of those old fashioned dental amalgams still in your mouth. While silver fillings can last for many years, over time they may develop defects that can actually be harmful to your teeth. In addition, they can start to look dull and discolored.
Your dentist can repair your teeth with more natural looking fillings if your teeth begin to suffer or you simply want a cosmetic change in your dental work. If you are apprehensive about getting your silver fillings replaced, here is information that may prepare you for what to expect before your get your old metal fillings replaced.
Concerns and Problems With Silver Fillings
Also known as dental amalgam, silver fillings also contain copper, tin and mercury. In fact, silver fillings can contain up to 50 percent mercury, which is a cause of concern for many people. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the mercury in silver fillings is not enough to cause serious health issues.
When you have silver fillings for several years, decay can actually start to form underneath the margins of the amalgam material. Bacteria can also enter into places where the filling is no longer sealed properly. Because of the color of the silver fillings, they can even mask the appearance of decay.
As you get older, your teeth with silver fillings may also develop cracks that can go as deep as the nerve. When this happens you may experience sensitivity and even pain in your mouth.
The Replacement Process
There are two ways your dentist can remove and restore your old silver fillings. Regardless of what technique your dentist uses, your new fillings will be made of a tooth-colored composite resin or other materials that blend in well with your teeth. Your new fillings will be more aesthetically pleasing than your old silver ones.
One replacement method, called indirect restoration involves at least two visits. The initial visit involves getting the old filling removed before your tooth undergoes prep for a new filling. Your dentist will make a hole where the new filling will go, take an impression of the hole and fill the space with temporary filling material. The impression of the hole gets sent to a dental lab so technicians can fabricate a permanent filling. During your next visit, your dentist will install your new filling.
In some cases, you can get your new filling in just one visit, a process called direct restoration. A hole will be drilled into your tooth and the gets inserted right away. The dentist, such as Samuel D Knight, DDS, will smooth and polish your tooth so the filling will blend in with the natural tooth material.
Share
