Old silver filling turning black?

SeeMe

Just noticed the back lower molar which has had the silver filling on the top of the tooth for years,has tuned black like ink on half the tooth.
Any body had this before? i will call the dentist but suspect its past its sell by date and part of the filling has come away, but i never felt it. As i say part of it looks like printer ink lol.

brook2jack

Silver (amalgam) filings will react to what is eaten etc and can also be galvanised if opposite e.g. a gold crown.

In general amalgams can tarnish , turn black, and still last decades longer.

However if you are worried and think you have lost some filling you are best seeing your own dentist.

SeeMe

Thanks, i will see the dentist.

Its hard to work out if its just turned black or part of the filling is gone, even though i have a good view of the top of the tooth.
If it has reacted to something i have eaten does that mean it will stay black or can brushing help over time if the filling is still there.

Slinky

SeeMe wrote: »

Thanks, i will see the dentist.

Its hard to work out if its just turned black or part of the filling is gone, even though i have a good view of the top of the tooth.
If it has reacted to something i have eaten does that mean it will stay black or can brushing help over time if the filling is still there.

I would have thought if part of it had fallen out, you would feel the difference with your tongue.