It used to be that metal fillings and crowns were considered the standard of care in dentistry. Unfortunately, these metal restorations can have long-lasting consequences.

These old fillings can make your smile look highly unattractive, but they can also cause many symptoms that are at the least annoying, and can be very serious. That’s why it’s important to visit our Anchorage dentists.

an old tooth with a metal filling

Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

Metal restorations are more likely to be sensitive to heat and cold than other materials. There are three reasons for this. First, the metal fillings may react more strongly to heat and cold than your natural teeth. When hot liquids hit the filling, it expands more than the surrounding tooth material, causing it to put pressure on your tooth nerve inside the tooth.

Metal restorations are also better conductors of heat and cold. They can convey temperature changes deep into your tooth, heating or cooling the tooth with a filling more than other teeth.

Metal restorations may also lead to decay around the restoration. This makes the teeth vulnerable to the hot or cold liquids, which can penetrate directly into the tooth itself.

Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Many people with metallic restorations also report having a metallic taste in their mouth. This can also be related to your teeth. Sometimes, this may be directly related to wear on the fillings, which release metal flecks in your mouth. You taste these flecks on your tongue.

But even if your fillings aren’t being worn, you could still taste them thanks to the wonder of galvanic currents.

Galvanic currents are created when two dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte solution–such as saliva–that connects the metals. Basically, they create a primitive battery that allows for the flow of electricity in your mouth. This can cause a metallic taste.

Tingling or Zapping in Your Mouth

It can even happen that your fillings create a strong enough galvanic circuit that it can actually cause tingling or even a slight zap when you put a fork in your mouth.

It’s the same basic effect: dissimilar metals create a battery. By introducing a metallic fork into your mouth, you’ve created a new circuit that might be stronger than the one you’re used to.

Mercury Sickness Symptoms

There are many people in the world who believe that mercury fillings can actually be highly toxic. We know that mercury is toxic, but not everyone agrees that mercury fillings are.

But if you are experiencing a toxic reaction to your mercury fillings, you might see some of the following symptoms:

  • Chronic allergy symptoms
  • Dizziness or ringing in the ears
  • Headaches
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Mood disorders
  • Learning difficulties and motor problems

Not everyone agrees that these symptoms can be caused by mercury fillings.

Health, Beauty, and Harmony

Metal is not a material that goes well with your natural tooth materials. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it may be time to replace metal fillings with more attractive and harmonious ceramic fillings.

If you are looking for help removing metal fillings or restorations in Anchorage, please call (907) 349-0022 today for an appointment at Excellence in Dentistry.