Question 1

do metal fillings discolor your teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The metal ions in the amalgam (silver) fillings tend to leach out over time and stain the surrounding tooth structure gray. This does not occur with tooth colored composite fillings which are also bonded to your tooth.

Question 2

is it possible for teeth grinding "shave" or chip metal fillings?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The muscles of the jaw and face are incredibly powerful and it's not uncommon for someone who grinds their teeth to damage not only the fillings, but also the teeth themselves.  Talk to your dentist about a nightguard.

Question 3

have 10-15 year old metal fillings. how do i know if they are made w/ amalgam mercury? lots of health issues since, including twitching all over body.

Accepted Answer

Ask your dentist: Metal fillings can be grayish in color ( Amalgam containing mercury) or yellow colored ( gold base does not contain mercury). According to the ADA, Mercury in Amalgam is more stable then you think and it is safer to keep in place rather then attempting to remove it which may release the mercury from the amalgam.

Question 4

when should i remove mercury amalgam fillings?

Accepted Answer

Remove mercury fill: You should removed the mercury amalgam filings when they are starting breakdown. If they have recurrent decay underneath them, or if you have a sensitivity to metals. I would suggest replacing them with something other than amalgam, but that is my personal opinion.

Question 5

what's involved in having mercury amalgam fillings removed ?

Accepted Answer

Drilling them out: Removal of amalgam fillings increases your exposure to mercury vapor because they are drilled out. If you would like to reduce your exposure then ask the dentist to remove them while you are wearing a dental dam.

Question 6

can mercury amalgam fillings cause health problems?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: The definitive answer is controversial among the scientific community.  There is definitely a release into the oral cavity of mercury vapor but is the amount released the cause of health problems has not been  proven.  This is the reason the ada still accepts amalgam as an acceptable restoration.  If you do not want this material used than have your dentist use composite material instead.

Question 7

what to expect when getting mercury amalgam fillings removed and replaced?

Accepted Answer

Filling: When you have a amalgam ( silver ) filling removed your dentist will give you local anesthetic (novocaine). Once you are numb they will remove the filling, and any decay that is in the tooth. Depending on how much of the tooth structure remains they may place a tooth colored filling or a porcelain crown.

Question 8

would removing mercury amalgam fillings cause greater risks than keeping them in?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: There is no scientific proof to show that silver mercury fillings are putting you at risk for mercury toxicity.  Removing them may benefit you if you want tooth colored fillings but that is an esthetic issue.  Doing un-necessary dental may cause more harm as some tooth structure will have to be removed for the new filling.

Question 9

can you get your silver/mercury/amalgam fillings taken out?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Filling with amalgam can definitely be replaced with tooth colored restorations.  Be aware though, that after replacement, the teeth may be sensitive for awhile due to the procedures.

Question 10

can you tell me are cracked mercury amalgam fillings dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No: Not any more dangerous or likely to cause discomfort than any cracked filling whatever the material it is made. Cracks of the filling usually result from the loss of underlying support in the form of dental caries - a cavity.

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Doctor answers about:

How long do metal fillings last

A member asked:

Do metal fillings discolor your teeth?

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Is it possible for teeth grinding "shave" or chip metal fillings?

A member asked:

Have 10-15 year old metal fillings. how do i know if they are made w/ amalgam mercury? lots of health issues since, including twitching all over body.

A member asked:

When should i remove mercury amalgam fillings?

A member asked:

What's involved in having mercury amalgam fillings removed ?

A member asked:

Can mercury amalgam fillings cause health problems?

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What to expect when getting mercury amalgam fillings removed and replaced?

A member asked:

Would removing mercury amalgam fillings cause greater risks than keeping them in?

A member asked:

Can you get your silver/mercury/amalgam fillings taken out?

A member asked:

Can you tell me are cracked mercury amalgam fillings dangerous?

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