Are silver amalgam fillings sensitive to hot or cold?

Sure: Any new filling may cause the tooth to be sensitive to temperature extremes (hot & cold) metal conducts temperature greater and faster than tooth-colored composite plastic restorations. Btw- due to this thermal cycling difference between amalgam and tooth, teeth often subsequently crack & break as a result from having these fillings.

Depends: Any deep filling close to the nerve can cause thermal sensitivity. When dentists place deep fillings, they place a base to protect the pulp. However if thermal sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, and if pain lingers after hot or cold see your dentist. You may then need a root canal.

Yes: Silver fillings can be sensitive to hot and cold. The metal can conduct the temperature into tooth. Normally this is a temporary condition. Deeper cavities often have a insulating material placed under amalgam filling to prevent this thermal sensitivity. Other filling materials can have thermal sensitivity too.

Yes, you do: A tooth may be sensitive to cold or hot for several weeks after you get a silver amalgam filling. The reason is metal is an excellent conductor of hot and cold and an amalgam filling is metal. However, the sensitivity to temperature normally goes away after awhile (4-8 weeks). Be patient.