Can fillings cause discoloration on my gums? i had a silver filling used to fill a cavity, and now the gum next to it looks like it is turning bluish or something. i don't know what's going on. should i see my dentist?

Yes : Yes you should see your dentist to make sure that the discoloration is related to the silver filling that was placed and not being caused by some other problems. If during the procedure to place the new filling the dentist had to cut our an old filling something called an amalgam tattoo can occur. This happens when a fine dust of silver impregnates the gum tissue giving it a blue grey color. Like any other tattoo the mark is permanent unless surgically removed.

Dr. : Dr. Funari gives good advise. Always have these kinds of things checked out. If it is an amalgam tatoo and is not in a visible place in your mouth it can be left with no serious consequence.

It : It sounds like you have an amalgam tattoo which can occur during filling removal. It is 100 benign and you should not worry about it. If you are concerned have your dentist check and make sure that is what it is.

Gingival tattoo: Sometimes in the process of doing a silver amalgam filling, small pieces of the excess filling can become embedded in the gum tissue, creating what your describing. The area is not swollen, but is purplish and is close to the filling. It is not dangerous, but if you find it effects your esthetics see a periodontists.