I wanted to get my amalgam fillings removed as I’m uncomfortable with the mercury in them. My dentist is discouraging the idea, saying that amalgam fillings stain the teeth and it would be noticeable. Is this true? Is there any alternative? One of these fillings covers about 70 % of the tooth so I don’t want anything ugly.
Dania F. – Texas
Dania,
While amalgam fillings can leave some staining on teeth, the teeth will still look better with white (composite) fillings.
My guess is your dentist is uncomfortable placing composite fillings so he’s using that as an excuse to dissuade you from the idea. The bonding techniques of the two types of fillings are significantly different. Because of that is important you don’t press him to do the procedure. Simply go to a different dentist to have the fillings changes.
I do want to bring something else up. You mentioned that your tooth is 70 % covered in filling. If that’s true, the tooth need a dental crown, not a filling. An all-porcelain crown would be very beautiful and natural looking.
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