Before I moved, my old dentist said the next dentist is going to want to replace all my silver fillings but I didn't need to, they are holding up well. Sure enough, the new dentist, who came very highly recommended, wants to replace all of them -- and I've got a lot. She says they might have "micro" leaks and it's better to replace them than to wait for them to fail.
Who's right?
2007-03-01 09:30:42 · 6 answers · asked by TaDa 4 in Health ➔ Dental
I'VE SEEN SOME VERY OLD AMALGAMS IN MY PRACTICE HOLDING UP VERY WELL. SOME OF THESE HAD DECADES OF HISTORY. THERE CAN BE MICRO-LEAKAGE IS AMALGAMS BUT YOU NEED A MICROSCOPE AND SPECIAL DYE TO SEE THESE. REMEMBER THE OLD SAYING, "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT?"
MY PERSONAL BELIEF IS THAT AN AMALGAM SHOULD BE REPLACED ONLY IF IT IS FOUND DEFECTIVE. IT'S SERVICEABLE, DON'T REPLACE IT. EVEN TEETH FILLED WITH COMPOSITE HAVE MICRO-LEAKAGE IF YOU USE A MICROSCOPE (ELECTRON).
2007-03-01 10:16:25 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a dental hygienist and I also agree to keep the amalgam fillings as long as they are holding up ok. And as far as the "problem" with amalgams containing mercury, the mercury in them in minute and stable unless it's under extreme heat and pressure. Drilling the amalgams out will actually cause more mercury to be released (by the heat and pressure of the drill) than you would ever have from every day use of your teeth! Usually newer dentists will recommend you replace them with the "white fillings" for asthetics (looks) but also because it generates alot of income for the dentist. But it's unnecessary and I always put my patients first, I'm conservative with treatment. As the other poster said "If it aint broke, don't fix it!" Wish all dentists cared that much about their patients!
2007-03-02 05:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by ladysashya 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And I agree as well. I just took a continuing edu. coarse on amalgams and it is actually unethical if a Dr. tries to persuade a patient into removing the filling to replace it with a resin.
If dental professionals that have amalgam fillings in their own mouths and place them daily into other patient's mouths (or have over the last 40 years) and are fine, then we have nothing to worry about.
2007-03-01 11:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by lauren21 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Dr. Albert and his "Best Answer" 100% and so does the American Dental Association. Replace your silver filllings when they actually fail and not just because they COULD fail. ANYTHING can eventually fail.
Check out http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings.asp#amalgam for a discussion on amalgam fillings.
2007-03-01 11:26:07 · answer #4 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is toxic but when made they are made safe to use. But to replace them the dentist will have to drill the tooth hole slightly larger...
When replaced they will be white ones...
One other thing.... it will cost a lot to do this.... think about it but it is ultimately your choice
2007-03-01 10:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by confused 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If they're silver amalgam fillings they have mercury in them, and I'd replace them for that reason alone! Mercury is toxic.
2007-03-01 09:41:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋