What should i do about an amalgam filling?

Why?: What you should do depends on what you believe. If you feel there is something undesirable about this particular filling material- the way it looks or what it's composed of, have it removed and replaced with a different material.

What do you mean ?: Is it broken? Does it hurt? Your question is difficult to answer since you did not really give us enough information.

Replace w/ something: Any dds in practice for a few years knows that amalgam fillings cause tooth breakage due to differential coefficient of expansion and contraction from hot and cold foods compared to how the tooth expands and contracts . Plus they contain mercury (toxic , poisonous material). Several countries already ban amalgam!

Replace it IF...: If there's no problem, leave it alone. If its breaking down, should be replaced with something, perhaps a crown. The larger the filling is, the less natural tooth there is to support the filling and hence, the greater chance of a problem down the road. Amalgam is the cheapest filling material there is. Is it the best? Much debate on this topic! let the amalgam wars continue!

Nothing: If you have an amalgam restoration that is in good shape, no decay then you don't need to do anything. Some dentists will recommend replacing all amalgams because they do not believe in this material. However anytime you remove a filling there is trauma to the tooth and nerve and this increases the risk of needing additional treatment. So if the amalgam is in good shape leave it as is.

As DDS in own mouth!: Do what most dds' would do if the amalgam was intact, decay free and in their own mouths..Leave it alone! disturb it and you risk upsetting the tooth, the restoration cavity size can increase, a tooth wall can fracture and a new the pretty white filling won't ward off decay ; has a lifespan of 1/2 an amalgam's and has its own toxicity issues! ask your dentist what he/has done for their mouth.