Can’t eat or drink since I got my teeth filled

I got my first fillings. Ever since then I haven’t been able to eat or drink. My mouth feels sensitive to almost everything. My tongue is itcy.  Don’t even talk about trying a cold drink. It sends zings like you wouldn’t believe. Is this normal? I’ve asked my dentist if we can do one of those white fillings, but he says they’re not as good.

Suzie U. – Philadelphia

Suzie,

It sounds to me like you have amalgam (silver) fillings and that you’re having a reaction to them.

The tongue problem is likely a reaction to the metals in the amalgam fillings.  The problem with cold drinks is also a metal issue.  Metal is a conductor. That is why when you drink a cold drink you feel that zing.

If you’re having a reaction to the metal, I suggest you switch to the white (composite) fillings you wanted.  If your dentist is not comfortable with that procedure, it’s likely because he doesn’t know how to do it.  Composite fillings aren’t inferior to amalgam. In fact, it is the opposite.  My suggestion would be to find a mercury -free dentist. They’re very familiar with the bonding procedure required for composite fillings. They’re also familiar with how to do a safe amalgam removal.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville Composite Dentist Dr. David Newkirk.