Dental fillings: Should metal fillings be replaced with composite?

Q.	My dentist recommended replacing my metal dental fillings with a composite material, which would be quite expensive. Is this necessary? No name / No state given see response Mayo Clinic dental care specialist Alan Carr, D.M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

All Dental Q&As:

• Baby teeth: When do children start to lose them?
• Bad breath: Could a tongue scraper help?
• Black, hairy tongue: What causes it?
• Bottled water and cavities: Is there a link?
• Dental fillings: Should metal fillings be replaced with composite?



• Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
• Discolored baby teeth: A cause for concern?
• Dry mouth in older adults: Causes and treatments
• Electric toothbrush: Better than a regular toothbrush?
• Excessive saliva: A concern?



• Fosamax and osteonecrosis: Is there a link?
• Gum: Is it good for your teeth?
• Impacted wisdom teeth: A cause of facial numbness?
• Sedation dentistry: Relief for dental anxiety?
• Sinus infection and toothache: Any connection?



• Tooth abscess: What are the symptoms?
• White tongue: What causes it?
• Whitening toothpaste: Does it actually whiten teeth?
• Yellow tongue: What causes it?

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