I recently had a silver filling placed on one of my back teeth to repair a broken tooth. Now I’m dealing with this itchy red rash on my face, right where the broken tooth was. There also seems to be a round circle on my face. Is this cause for concern, maybe an allergic reaction of some kind? I am supposed to get a crown on the tooth in a month and I’m worried.
– Sherry from South Carolina
Sherry,
Based on the procedures you have had done and what you described, it is unlikely that the rash and circle on your face was caused by the filling. When individuals are allergic to materials used in the filling, it is typical to see a reaction on the inside of the mouth. For example, the gum tissue that actually comes in contact with the filling may become irritated.
In regard to the silver filling or what is called an amalgam filling, they are actually made up of more than half of mercury. They also contain slightly less than half of silver, copper, and tin, as well as some other materials. Some people are concerned over the potential health concerns with having mercury placed in their mouths. That said, I am not familiar with a case where the amalgam caused a rash on the face.
If it was right after your dental appointment that the rash occurred, it may have been the use of the latex gloves that your dentist used.
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Related links: mercury-free dentist, white fillings, emergency dentist