Dental A to Z
Galvanic shock
An electrical charge that is created when two dissimilar metals come into contact. The sensation is most frequently experienced when a new amalgam filling has been placed in a tooth which comes into contact with a gold restoration. Silver paper or a fork coming into contact with an amalgam filling may cause an electric "shock" or a metallic taste. In severe cases, the filling may have to be replaced with a "white" non-metallic restoration.