Is it necessary to replace fillings if they aren't causing any trouble?

Question

After taking x-rays and using a laser pen, my new dentist told me I needed to have my fillings replaced (I have some amalgamated fillings and some composites). I have had them in for almost 20 years and am not having any symptoms to indicate there are any problems. The reason I am skeptical is that I saw a different dentist @ Kaiser in August and they mentioned nothing at all about this. What do you think, does it sound like it's necessary to replace them?

Lala · Accepted Answer

I would defiantly replace your fillings. Especially knowing its amalgam(which has mercury) and the fact that its been 20yrs old is VERY good reason to get it replaced. Other thing is that whenever you have such old filling chance are there might be some recurrent decay. Know this though, is NEVER EVER good to wait for teeth problem until you have symptom. If you wait until you have the symptom, then the problem isn't gonna be easy to fix. In other word the simple filling you're trying to replace may end up needing root canal, build up and crown. So listen to your dentist. Even though the other dr. didn't say anything about replacing but i can guaranty you after 20 years even resin(tooth color filling) might not be clean underneath. In long run you'll appreciate the preventive work your dentist suggesting now!!!! And beside you'll have much safer material in your mouth and not to mention how it'll look better esthetically:) 
Cheers

Katie · Answer

seriously, ask your dentist.

Is it necessary to replace fillings if they aren't causing any trouble?

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