Just a matter of time.
Here is an example of a very old silver (amalgam) filling that should be removed. It really is just a matter of time before pain is experienced or the tooth fractures.
Back teeth (Molars) are subjected to greater force during normal function, clinching and grinding. This tooth has little tooth structure remaining. In addition, there are clear fractures present. The margins of the filling are also severely compromised, allowing bacteria to penetrate beneath the filling. We often find, with similar conditions, decay present once the filling has been removed.
If left untreated, this tooth is at risk of an infection and severe pain or severe fracture. Leaving very little tooth structure remaining or possibly leaving the tooth unable to be restored. Resulting in removing the tooth.
The cost to restore this tooth in its present condition is nominal compared to the alternatives. It is 5 times the cost to replace the missing tooth and 4 times the cost to treat an infection and restore the tooth.
What would you do?
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