Pros/Cons of filling removal

[Willow63]

Hello. I searched forum and couldnt find thread about the following:

My new dentist wants to remove the last of my silver fillings. Not because of MS - other minor reasons that I feel could wait, but he thinks I should address.

Does anyone have any advice about silver filling removal? I know the link of having them to MS is not proven.

My concern is will the removal of them cause problems ?(mercury exposure?).

Thanks for any help

[MSer102]

I've had 4 old mercury fillings removed because over my lifetime they got loose and bacteria started getting under them or the teeth they were in broke and I needed crowns.

I'm not aware of any problems caused by their removal. And I'm not concerned about having another removed when the time comes or keeping the ones I have. The mercury connection to MS is so tenuous that it isn't worth my time to give it any more thought. If I were concerned about mercury exposure, I would stop eating fish and I wouldn't live near a freeway.

[DebbieB]

Hi Willow,

I'm one of the goofballs that ran out and had all my fillings replaced when this was identified as a possible link to MS in the 80's. Multiple visits to the dentist - maybe 20???

As you've already said, there's no link to MS. Likewise, I did not have any "reaction" to the removal of the mercury.

It was a wash both ways...

[mjan]

First of all, amalgams (silver-mercury fillings) don't last forever and need to be replaced. They can "leak" too and eventually lead to root canals type of damage you don't want.

Now I wanted my amalgams replaced anyway cause I didn't want mercury leaking into my blood stream for ALL health reasons, not MS.

Good luck in figuring this out, but I would go along with what your dentist is recommending. You don't want problems much bigger later with your teeth.

Jan

[Cat Mom]

IMHO, unnecessary dental work causes more stress, physically and mentally. I'm not a fan of the dentist but go regularly for cleanings, etc. (every 4-6 months). When issues pop up, we can address them before they turn into huge issues. In 48 years, I've never had to replace a silver filling. Cost-wise, my dental plan won't cover replacements unless absolutely needed. Cost is a major factor for me.
Jen

[Willow63]

Thanks

Thanks everyone for your help. I cancelled the appointment for filling repl, but I kept my 6 mth appt with same place. I really liked the dental hygenist.

After much thought I realized I was nervous because I felt rushed. My old dentist never rushed

I will see how things go at next appointment re: rapport with dentist before moving ahead.

SO far everything is fine with my teeth.

[poppydarling]

One of our local news anchors was diagnosed with MS and immediately went out and replaced all her fillings -- and then did a multi-part report on her experience. When I mentioned it to my dentist, she repeated the ADA findings that there was no connection with heavy metal off-gasses and chronic disease (I'm not sure about that). Then, about a year later, one of my metal fillings was loose and she suggested that they should all come out. It was only two visits and wasn't a lot of money, so I don't think that was her motivation but I after reading some studies, I felt better having all of that heavy metal out of my body.

[BigA]

When I told my dentist, very sadly, how I had come down with MS and was dealing with large bills, he got very excited that I should have all my fillings removed. I changed dentists.

[KatieAgain]

I have no cavities, thus no fillings. But Boy Howdy, do I have MS. My teeth sure look nice though.