Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station, VA

A dental filling is a common procedure that can repair a tooth with a cavity. Most times, a filling will have no lingering side effects when performed by a qualified dentist. But while allergic responses are rare, they are possible. Some people have allergies to some of the materials used in fillings, so people who are allergic to metals or acrylic, for instance, are often curious if they’ll be allergic to their fillings, too. Today our family dentist in Burke, Dr. Pam Marzban, is exploring the different types of fillings, their potential allergic responses and what you can do if you are curious about or suspect you may have an allergy.

What are the types of dental fillings, and what are the possible allergic responses?

Amalgam

These durable fillings are made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin and copper, and they have been used for more than a century.

Potential allergy — Some people have reported an allergic response to amalgam fillings, usually due to sensitivity to one of the metals, such as mercury or nickel, rather than the amalgam itself. Mercury, which is bound to a stable alloy in an amalgam filling, is the most common concern. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to these fillings can include skin rashes and itching or other allergic dermatitis near the mouth or face.

Composite resin

Made from plastic and fine glass particles, these fillings are tooth-colored and blend in seamlessly with natural teeth.

Potential allergy — Allergic reactions to composite resins are uncommon, but if you are sensitive to certain plastics or other chemicals used in the composite material, you may notice symptoms such as localized swelling, redness and itching in the mouth.

Ceramic and gold

Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored fillings, usually made of porcelain. Gold fillings are made from gold alloy, but while they’re very durable, many people find the cost and appearance off-putting.

Potential allergy — Both ceramic and gold fillings are generally well-tolerated, but people can have allergic reactions in rare cases to the metals in gold alloys. Symptoms are similar to those of other metal allergies, such as localized swelling or rashes.

Glass ionomer

Made from acrylic and a specific type of glass, these are typically used for fillings below the gum line and in pediatric dentistry.

Potential allergy — These fillings are not made with metal, so they are less likely to cause an allergic response. Some people in rare cases, however, might react to the acrylic components.

Dental fillings in Burke, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station, Virginia

If you feel you may have an allergy to a filling, it’s important that you give our office in the Northern Virginia area near Burke, Fairfax and Fairfax Station a call. We can be reached online or at 703-323-8200. If you are diagnosed with an allergy to your filling, we can talk with you about replacing your filling with hypoallergenic materials. But remember that in the case of allergies to fillings, the best defense is a good offense. Avoid the need for a filling altogether by brushing and flossing regularly, and be sure to schedule (and keep) your biannual checkup appointments with Dr. Marzban.