Q.
I have had many amalgam fillings fitted over many years and some are above twenty years old. Over the last year I have developed a constant metallic taste in my mouth and both my teeth and tongue feel on edge, sometimes even giving a ‘buzz’ like I’ve been chewing aluminium foil. Is this because my fillings need replacing? If so, am I able to instruct my NHS dentist to do this or do I have to rely on his judgement before I can get this work done? Also, am I allowed any say in what they actually use as filling material because after 44 years of swallowing mercury amalgam I fear I am at risk of mercury poisoning. Do I have a choice of any alternative filling material offered on the NHS or am I forced to go private? If the metallic taste is not because of the fillings do you have any idea what could be causing it?