Swallowed piece of filling

[MissTwister]

This morning whilst eating breakfast a small piece of my amalgam (silver) filling fell out and whilst I spat out a piece of it I think I also swallowed some.

I have a dentist appt tomorrow but am worried as I know they don't recommend doing any work with silver fillings on pregnant women as it could 'potentially' harm the fetus with mercury. So what happens to the bit I swallowed and the broken bit in my mouth

Has anyone else had this happen and should I be worried?!

[MissTwister]

Anyone?!

[sarah00001]

I have swallowed a bit of filling before, though not when pregnant but I am sure it will be fine. Could you give your dentist a quick call and ask their advice? The fact you spat it out suggests only a very tiny amount was swallowed. There are small amounts of mercury in fish and we are encouraged to still eat 2 portions of fish per week.

[lilivonshtupp]

The mercury in fillings is very well bound to the other metals. The time that you get most exposed to the mercury vapour is during placement and removal.

Therefore, a cracked off piece is very stable. It will pass right through you, no problem. I wouldn't be concerned at all. Best wishes for your pregnancy.

[Skiptonlass]

It'll just go through you - metallic Mercury is nowhere near as toxic as vapour or organic Mercury compounds. We used to play with quicksilver at school...(ahh, the good old days...) it won't get absorbed and won't poison you.

Get the filling seen to though - the last thing you need is an infection in an open tooth!

[MissTwister]

Thanks all, that's reassuring. I have an appointment tomorrow morning so will get it sorted. I actually made the appointment in the first place because I have a gum infection. Oh the joys!!