The term “silver teeth” often raises questions about their stability and permanence. Understanding these dental restorations and the types of teeth they are placed on helps clarify their lifespan. This article explains what “silver teeth” are and how their fate varies depending on the dental context.
Understanding “Silver Teeth” in Dentistry
“Silver teeth” refer to dental restorations with a metallic, silver appearance. The two primary types are dental amalgam fillings and stainless steel crowns. Dental amalgam, a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper, is used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, forming a strong, durable filling. Stainless steel crowns are pre-formed, tooth-shaped caps placed over an entire tooth. Composed of metals like stainless steel, nickel, chromium, and sometimes iron, they have a characteristic silver color and are used to preserve teeth with significant decay or damage.
Silver Restorations and Primary (Baby) Teeth
When a silver restoration (amalgam filling or stainless steel crown) is placed on a primary (baby) tooth, its presence is temporary. Baby teeth naturally fall out (exfoliate) to make way for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth has a silver filling or crown, the restoration will come out with the tooth during this natural shedding process. This is a normal developmental event, and the restoration’s departure is not a sign of failure, but rather indicates that the underlying permanent tooth is ready to erupt. Treating cavities in baby teeth is important to prevent infection and maintain space for permanent teeth.
Silver Restorations and Permanent (Adult) Teeth
Unlike baby teeth, permanent adult teeth are not naturally shed, so silver restorations on them are intended to be long-term. However, a silver restoration on a permanent tooth might come out or need removal for several reasons. Amalgam fillings, though durable, can loosen or fall out over time due to wear, decay, or trauma. Decay can form underneath or around the edges of a filling, weakening the tooth structure that supports it. Stainless steel crowns on permanent molars, though durable, can also become dislodged.
Restorations may also come out due to dental cement failure or persistent forces like teeth grinding. Dentists might intentionally remove a silver restoration to address underlying decay, replace a worn or damaged one, or prepare the tooth for another treatment like a new crown. Severe tooth decay or damage might also necessitate extracting the entire tooth, including any silver restoration.
When a Silver Restoration Comes Out
If a silver restoration comes out, especially from a permanent tooth, contact a dentist promptly. While not always an immediate emergency, leaving the tooth exposed can lead to sensitivity, further decay, or shifting of surrounding teeth. If the dislodged restoration is from a baby tooth, and there is no pain or infection, it may be less urgent but still warrants a dental check-up.
If a filling or crown comes out, retrieve it if possible and bring it to your dental appointment. Avoiding chewing on the affected side of the mouth helps protect the exposed tooth from further damage or sensitivity. A dentist will assess the situation to determine why the restoration came out and the best course of action, which could involve reattaching the existing restoration or placing a new one.