WORRIED...had amalgam filling removed and temporary crown placed today

[sandandsun]

I'm hoping someone can help calm my nerves!!

I had a large amalgam filling removed today and a temporary crown placed. (It was necessary. I was starting to get my pain, and my dentist said she would have waited until after baby is born, but if I didn't do it now, I would soon need a root canal.)

I don't know why, but I didn't realize until during the procedure that I should have asked for a dental dam (it was a tooth wayyy in the back). The hygienist was sucking up pieces of the filling, but I'm pretty sure I swallowed a very small piece.

Could swallow a teeny tiny piece of old amalgam filling hurt my baby? I'm so worried after reading all the bad reports on mercury and pregnancy.

*I should mention that the filling was cracked...so there really wasn't another option but to remove it. It was probably giving me mercury exposure just from the crack in it...

 

[purplecupcake]

No. A) A substance used as a filling, inside your mouth, with risk of being swallowed, would never be created in a way that could possibly cause harm, B) Your dentist would not perform a procedure on you that could be harmful without written consent from your doctor.

 

[cookette]

I am a hygienist. You're fine. You're more in danger from mercury by eating a can of tuna.

ETA: There is an incredible amount of misinformation about amalgam fillings, such as having "mercury exposure" by having a cracked filling. You can find ANYTHING on the internet.

 

[chrislo4]

I had an amalgam filling fitted 2 weeks ago also. My dentist said it was totally safe so I was happy to go ahead. I read on a dental website there was no real evidence to suggest it be harmful x

 

[sandandsun]

Thanks for the responses, everyone!! It helps put my mind at ease. While a lot of "natural, holistic" websites state amalgam filings being placed/removed in pregnancy is terrible, legitimate sources seem to have no evidence of anything.

I am a hygienist. You're fine. You're more in danger from mercury by eating a can of tuna.

ETA: There is an incredible amount of misinformation about amalgam fillings, such as having "mercury exposure" by having a cracked filling. You can find ANYTHING on the internet.

Thanks, cookette! It makes me feel better hearing this from a hygienist. I'm also trying to remind myself that's it done now anyway.

Quick question....It's the day after my crown and I'm having some sensitivity when I chew food with it (it's fine with hot/cold liquids). The dentist readjusted my bite today but it's still happening. Is this to be expected? Thanks in advance!

 

[cookette]

Sometimes it can take multiple adjustments Not unusual. Also, its possible to have bruised the ligament (PDL) that surrounds the tooth if you were chewing wrong on it for a while. Go for another adjustment.

I'm glad to put your mind at ease, we have enough to worry about while pregnant!