Shall I replace my amalgam fillings with white composite fillings?
Q.
Dear Dr Verma,
Dear Dr Verma,
I recently visited a new dentist. I had many amalgam fillings as a child (more than 18 years ago), and have had no recent problems with them. My new dentist has suggested I replace them all over time with white fillings.
I understand that the old filling my “leak” after time, but my xrays apparently show no evidence of decay and I don’t suffer with toothache. I’m not bothered about the cosmetic side of things- so long as the filling is doing its job, I’m happy.
Would you advise replacing the fillings?
Thank you for your time.
A.
Dear Enquirer,
It is fine to replace the fillings over time as and when they need replacing, certainly not only for cosmetic reasons.
Although xrays don’t always show leakage, this will show up through a normal clinical examination (check up), so if any of your fillings are leaking over time, your dentist should be able to point out which ones, I have the facility in my practice to use a special pen sized camera to show my patients photographs of broken/leaking fillings.
So don’t worry, amalgam fillings are very strong and last a long time, but in time they will need to be replaced, just reassure yourself by asking the dentist that any filling he/she is suggesting replacement for is clinically necessary.
Regards,
Sunita
Dear Enquirer,
It is fine to replace the fillings over time as and when they need replacing, certainly not only for cosmetic reasons.
Although xrays don’t always show leakage, this will show up through a normal clinical examination (check up), so if any of your fillings are leaking over time, your dentist should be able to point out which ones, I have the facility in my practice to use a special pen sized camera to show my patients photographs of broken/leaking fillings.
So don’t worry, amalgam fillings are very strong and last a long time, but in time they will need to be replaced, just reassure yourself by asking the dentist that any filling he/she is suggesting replacement for is clinically necessary.
Regards,
Sunita
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