Allergy to Silver Fillings

My teenage son is complaining of itchy skin a day after having silver fillings put in. We have a low income so going to the dentist has been put off over the years. I took him to the public health department in our city where they placed silver fillings and am wondering if it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the metal?

Thanks, Alicia

Dear Alicia,

It is possible that your son is experiencing an allergic reaction to either the mercury or another metal in the amalgam fillings; however it is very rare for this to happen. According to the American Dental Association there have been fewer than 100 cases ever reported. Usually one who suffers from an amalgam allergy typically has a family history of allergies to metals. Symptoms of such are skin rashes and itching. It’s best to see an allergy specialist to rule this as a true allergy though. If your son is allergic to a metal found in silver fillings other dental restorations can be used like a composite filling in other words a white filling.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Sherwood Dental Care.