Problems With Dental Fillings (cont.)
Allergic Reactions to Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Allergic reactions to silver fillings are rare. Fewer than 100 cases have
ever been reported, according to the ADA. In these rare circumstances, mercury
or one of the metals used in an amalgam restoration is thought to trigger the
allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam allergy are similar to those experienced
in a typical skin allergy and include skin rashes and itching. Patients who
suffer amalgam allergies typically have a medical or family history of
allergies to metals. Once an allergy is confirmed, another restorative material
can be used.
Deteriorating Fillings
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental
fillings to wear away, chip or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that
your filling is wearing down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your
restorations during a regular check-up.
If the seal between the tooth enamel and the filling breaks down, food
particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You
then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is
left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscessed tooth.
If the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, there may not
be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In these
cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
New fillings that fall out are probably the result of improper cavity
preparation, contamination of the preparation prior to placement of the
restoration or a fracture of the restoration from bite or chewing trauma. Older
restorations will generally be lost due to decay or fracturing of the remaining
tooth.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, February 1, 2003.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003
Last Editorial Review: 6/17/2008
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