Should I Get My Old Silver Fillings Replaced?
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Have you got old silver fillings that you notice in the mirror when brushing? Used widely across the UK for decades, they might look dark – and quite a lot like they need replacing. The question is…do they? If you have pain, that’s one thing, but what if you don’t have any?
64% of adults in England have decay in one or more teeth, so fillings are very much a normal part of dental care for a lot of people. However, it’s not always that clear whether old silver fillings need to be changed to new composite fillings.
In this blog, we look at why people think about replacing silver fillings in Manchester, what a dentist will check first, and the signs that mean it may be worth having a proper conversation about your options.
Ok, so there are a number of reasons why some people choose to have their old silver fillings replaced. Usually, it’s because their wants are more to do with cosmetic dentistry than because of a dental need. For instance, they might not like that they can be seen when they smile.
The mercury question also needs mentioning, because it’s one of the first things patients worry about. Silver fillings are dental amalgam, which means they contain a mix of metals, including mercury.
That can sound alarming, but it doesn’t mean every old filling needs to come out. In most cases, the more practical question is whether it’s healthy. That’s something your dentist can check properly during a dental check-up.
| Issue that might require replacement | Why it might be a problem | What your dentist might consider |
| The filling is cracked or loose | Bacteria may be able to get underneath it | Whether the tooth can be repaired with a new filling |
| The tooth feels sensitive | The seal may have weakened, or decay may be developing nearby | If the filling needs replacing or the tooth needs a root canal or dental crown |
| The filling looks dark | Some patients don’t like how this looks when they open their mouths | Whether a white composite filling would be better |
| The tooth hurts with both cold and hot drinks | Occasional pain is one thing, ongoing pain with both might mean more treatment | Whether the pain is being caused by decay that needs dealing with |
| There’s decay around the edges | The tooth may be breaking down around the existing filling | Whether the decay can be removed and restored safely |
The good news is, there’s plenty your dentist in Manchester can do about it. Of course, root canals are possible in the worst-case scenarios, but there are several things, like dental crowns that come well before that.
If a dental crown is something you’re thinking about, our blog on the subject explores things in more detail, so you know what to expect.
Old silver fillings can last for many years, but they don’t last forever. Given enough time, the edges can weaken, the tooth around them can change, or tiny gaps can appear that let bacteria settle underneath. So, how can you tell yourself in between dentist and dental hygienist appointments?
Well, it should be pretty obvious, as an old silver filling that’s fine to leave where it is, is not usually going to give you much trouble. The signs you’re looking for include one or more of the following:
Not every old silver filling needs replacing, but changes like these are worth checking before a small repair turns into something more involved. If there’s any early decay around the tooth, it can be pretty easy to sort out.
Obviously, it’s better to never get to the point where you need work done in the first place – something our guide to avoiding fillings can help you with.
Old silver fillings don’t always need to be replaced, but they do need keeping an eye on. If one becomes cracked, loose, worn down or it’s letting bacteria in around the edges, it may be time to look at your options. The important thing is not guessing either way.
At Ringway Dental, our experienced team helps patients make clear, sensible decisions about their teeth. We’ll look at what, if anything, needs doing and make sure you understand all of your choices.
If you’re worried about replacing an old silver filling or just want to know where you stand, get in touch with our team today or book a free consultation online. We’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
Q – Do old silver fillings always need replacing?
A – No, they don’t. If a filling is not giving you problems and it’s nice and stable, most dentists will leave well alone. Replacement only gets talked about when there’s damage, decay, sensitivity, or a cosmetic reason to change it.
Q – Is it painful to have an old filling replaced?
A – It shouldn’t be. The tooth is numbed before anything is removed, so you’ll mostly feel pressure or vibration rather than pain. Some sensitivity afterwards is fairly common but tends to settle on its own.
Q – Can I replace just one silver filling at a time?
A – Yes. If you’ve got several, there’s no need to do them all at once. Your dentist will usually start with whichever is causing the most concern and work through the rest from there.
Q – Will a white filling look natural?
A – In most cases, yes. Composite resin is colour-matched to the surrounding tooth, so it blends in far better than silver amalgam. The result depends on the size of the filling and how much healthy tooth is left to work with.
Q – What happens if there is decay under an old filling?
A – If there’s enough healthy structure, a new filling goes in. If not, something like a crown might be needed, but your dentist will talk you through the options first.
