When a dentist fills a cavity, it's unlikely that they'll remind you that your fillings will need to be replaced at some point. This replacement won't be necessary for many years, or even decades, so setting a strict schedule is of little use to anyone. Your silver amalgam fillings may have been in place for many years without any problems, but these types of fillings have long since been overtaken by composite (tooth-coloured) fillings as the preferred material. Is it time to think about upgrading your fillings?
How They Look
One of the most common reasons to replace silver amalgam fillings is a matter of aesthetics. These silvery fillings certainly stand out from the dental enamel surrounding them, making them very obvious. This is less of a concern when the fillings are towards the back of your mouth, but they can still be visible when you laugh, yawn, eat, and talk. They may not be visible when you smile; however, you may simply have grown tired of the obviousness of silver amalgam fillings. This alone can be a reason for an upgrade, which won't be especially intensive or expensive since adding composite fillings to teeth is such a common part of general dentistry.
Their Useful Lifespan
Another reason to replace silver amalgam fillings is that they may be coming towards the end of their lifespan. Although extremely durable and malleable, a drawback to silver amalgam fillings is how responsive they are to temperature fluctuations. The material can expand and contract, and these changes mean that the material can no longer offer sufficient coverage to fill the cavity.
Warning Signs
Older silver amalgam fillings will generally notify you of their impending doom. Teeth can become more sensitive (even causing discomfort) because the cavity is no longer being effectively filled. The tooth may react to the temperature of food and drink, as well as any other stimulant (even something as essential as cleaning your teeth). When the filling no longer offers adequate protection, it's possible for bacteria to penetrate your tooth. The underlying cementum (which is beneath your dental enamel) is now accessible, and temperature changes can be registered by the dental pulp (nerve) at the centre of the tooth. It's even quite possible for the cavity to deepen, jeopardising the overall tooth.
The Surface of the Tooth
If a tooth containing a silver amalgam filling should begin to feel sensitive, or even painful, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible. It's far preferable to treat these issues when they remain largely confined to the surface of the tooth. If the decay should begin to permeate your cementum, breaching the dental pulp chamber, then you might need a root canal, as opposed to merely replacing a filling. In short, it's important not to delay.
Silver amalgam fillings that are still intact don't require replacement unless it's an aesthetic choice. But if a tooth containing a silver amalgam filling should start to feel uncomfortable, it might be time for a medically necessary upgrade.
Share21 September 2021
As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!
