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About Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
Expertise
Cosmetic Dentistry, Endodontics, General Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, Comprehensive Dental Care

Experience
Former Clinical Instructor of Comprehensive Dentistry, and Prosthodontic Department New York University School of Dentistry. Also former instructor of Preventive Dentistry Columbia University School of Dentistry.

Publications
Ask Dr Spindel Dental Blog also numerous articles on http://www.lspindeldds.com (over 100 pages of original content)

Education/Credentials
1980 DDS New York University College of Dentistry 1981 GPR Manhattan VA Hospital

Awards and Honors
OKU 1980 Honor Society 1980 Long Island Academy of Odontology award for highest combined Academic and Clinical Achievement.
In 1997 he was elected to Fellowship into the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Dark spot on surface of filling

Dentistry - Dark spot on surface of filling


Expert: Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com - 11/10/2009

Question
I recently noticed a small dark spot that appears to be on the surface of an old silver filling in the bite surface of a lower molar.  I have had no sensitivity, and I develop sensitivity (especially to cold) quite easily when I have any problem in a tooth.  Does this sometimes happen with older fillings, or do I need to see a dentist?  

Answer
Dear Judith,

Sometimes as silver fillings age they can oxidize and turn black and it does not indicate a problem, but other times fillings can be cracked and the cracked areas appear black. If you haven't been to a dentist within the last 6 months this would be a good time to schedule a check up and a cleaning. When you are there ask your dentist to check out the filling with the black spot. The presence or absence of sensitivity is not always a reliable indicator of trouble.

I hope this information is helpful and please feel free to contact me with any future dental questions.

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