Nerves about first silver filling

[ElvisPresleyHadABaby]

Have had a very poor year in terms of oral hygiene, and finally got to the dentist. He was very quick, didn't use any tools except the pointy one, didn't use any of the code, didn't scrape or press much at all, then told me I need a filling on the top, right at the back.

My teeth are in quite bad condition, no pain but lots of black/brown pits in the molars and grey teeth with white bits. The tooth in question actually looks alright and doesn't hurt, I'm just at a bit of a loss as to why nothing else was mentioned. He didn't go over any of the usual advice or ask any questions about flossing etc, and didn't do the probe to check gum health. Every other dentist I've ever had has said to cut down on acidic things as my enamel is a bit worn, and done x-rays and commented on my gums and any areas of concern, so this threw me a bit.

I'm questioning his competency tbh, and it's made me nervous about this filling which is going to be my first amalgam. Any advice on what I should do before and after to make sure it's not painful? And any ideas on what I could say to the dentist to check my other teeth are alright?

I have many fillings. But I have never had a filling without an x-ray first. I think I'd get a second opinion. You don't need to ask permission, just make an appointment tent with a different dentist.

BTW having an amalgam filling doesn't feel much different to having a white filling. You don't need to do anything particular.

Is be getting a 2nd opinion. I also would not want a grey filling if I could possibly avoid it.

I'm fine with it being silver, money is tight and its on the top right at the back, almost completely invisible, but its the lack of x-ray and pain that's making me worried. I also can't afford to get a second opinion as literally no where that I can feasibly get to for an appointment is taking new NHS patients.

Pain from a tooth usually means it's past a filling.

Sometimes you can just see a tooth needs a filling and don't need an x-ray to diagnose. You have lots of erosion, you have had a bad year oral hygiene wise it's hardly a shocker you need a filling

There's no real difference to you between amalgam and other filling materials. It shouldn't be painful, you can take some paracetamol just before the procedure so it's in your system in case there's any discomfort. You might find the area around the filling a bit tender afterwards.

When gou go to goud filling appointment I'd mention you are worried about your gums to make sure they examine them. You can also just ask about xrays at your filling appointment again if you are worried, it will be included in your check up cost

@OrangeShark27

Pain from a tooth usually means it's past a filling.

Sometimes you can just see a tooth needs a filling and don't need an x-ray to diagnose. You have lots of erosion, you have had a bad year oral hygiene wise it's hardly a shocker you need a filling

There's no real difference to you between amalgam and other filling materials. It shouldn't be painful, you can take some paracetamol just before the procedure so it's in your system in case there's any discomfort. You might find the area around the filling a bit tender afterwards.

When gou go to goud filling appointment I'd mention you are worried about your gums to make sure they examine them. You can also just ask about xrays at your filling appointment again if you are worried, it will be included in your check up cost

Sorry, no pain from the tooth, I worded it poorly but meant there were no x-rays and no pain. Thank you for the rest of the advice.

I wasn't surprised I needed a filling, was more surprised I didn't need MORE doing and that the general state of my teeth wasn't commented on at all, or thoroughly examined.