Fractured silver filling

[Dan J]

I have a very large silver filling which was done over a year ago in a NHS practice in London. I have not had any problems with this tooth so far but over the last few days the tooth was sensitive and suddenly this morning the silver filling fractured.

A chunk of the filling has come out and another chunk of the filling is still there inside my tooth and the tooth is now even more sensitive than the last few days and I am worried that the remaining tooth will fracture.

I mean this filling only lasted 12 months and I was expecting it to last longer than this. What can be done with this tooth? Is there a way of having something that is not going to fracture so soon.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Dan,

Thank you for your post.

We would need to assess your tooth before we can tell you what can be done. Fractured silver fillings are common because silver fillings are not usually chemically bonded to the remaining tooth structure. A piece of the silver filling can become loose and cause sensitivity which you have experienced.

The treatment for a tooth with a very large silver filling is usually a crown or onlay. If the tooth gives constant pain and sensitivity then root canal treatment will be necessary first, followed by a crown to protect the tooth from further tooth fracture and infection.

Crowns and onlays normally last between 5 and 10 years, however the longevity will very much depend on your dietary habits and oral hygiene. Patients which tend to grind their teeth at night can break their fillings and crowns more easily and should wear a nightguard.

Please visit our mercury free dentistry page for more information. We have 24 Hour / 365 days a year Walk-in Emergency Clinic should you wish to be seen now.