New Dentist Suggests -Replace Amalgam Fillings

Hello-
I just went to a new dentist after going for years to a dental school, where everything is lower-cost and you get more than one opinion for your treatment. I am terrified of getting something unnecessary recommended. So my new dentist did not find any new cavities to fill (just pre-cavities). But she said that 3 of my amalgam fillings looked "worn" around the edges and that I should have them replaced. First tooth (bottom molar) chipped off some amalgam a little around the edge of the filling and I'm certain that one probably needs to be replaced. Second tooth she said can wait. But the third tooth (upper molar) she said that they did a poor job with the filling and that she wants to remove the old filling because it's showing wear and that the filling is tight to the next tooth, i.e. (it's a little tight area to floss around). This amalgam filling is only 5-6 years old & I fear having it messed with unless it's truly necessary, as I recall it was a tough one to fill. Otherwise, she didn't mention any decay in it nor does it cause me pain. Are her recommendations excessive, warranted??? Please help! ~Thanks~

[henry4375]

I am not a DDS but this seems to be a common ploy in dental offices! I went to a DDS here in NYC who told me basically the same thing. Went somewhere else for a 2nd opinion and was told if "it's not broken, don't fix it".  Replacing a deep amalgam filling could cause the whole tooth to collapse which would necessitate a crown or could possibly hit the nerve and require a root canal and a crown. Either forget about it or get a 2nd opinion.   Good luck!

[lynn117]

i agree with henry. my dentist puts a watch in my large fillings that are worn because replacing them usually requires a crown. the last tooth he watched for around 6 years and the filling chipped and the tooth had a minor crack so this year we crowned it. he knows i am on a very limited budget with no insurance and we try to make my existing dental work last as long as possible replacing or upgrading only when necessary. get that second opinion.

[love1221]

If they aren't huge fillings they can be replaced without needing a crown.  And it may be easier to do that now, than wait until something happens and you do end up needing a crown.  Everything she said was just recommendations and what she saw.  You never have to do anything.  But, I don't think your dentist is out to get you.