A question about fillings?

I recently changed dentists due to a move, and I had to get a filling. It was the furthest tooth back on my upper jaw, before this, I've never gotten a silver filling before. Well, this dentist gave me one. I also ended up with a bad injection site reaction, another first. I've had a lot of fillings in my life, but they were all composite resin. I wasn't even really aware until during the procedure that I was getting silver.





I'm going back tomorrow for a cleaning, and I know I'm going to need 2 more fillings on my lower back molars. Is it wrong of me to insist that I want composite resin fillings instead of silver? The silver just look so horrible, and I've done some reading on how much better composite are because they don't have to drill as much and they save the natural structure of your teeth more (even though it takes more time and all). I honestly didn't think dentists did silver fillings anymore until this last visit, and I really don't want a repeat. Help? Advice? Thanks!!

A question about fillings?
Receiving an amalagam (silver) filling today doesn't mean that you'll get one the next time you need a filling.


There are reasons that dentists use the amalgam. It has to do with the extent of the decay, the size of the area to be filled, whether you grind your teeth and many other factors.


However, if you prefer composite fillings, just ask if they'll work as well. Have your dentist explain why he chose a silver filling and why a composite filling may not work as well for that tooth.


If he says that he just prefers them, ask for silver. But many times, back molars do better structurally with silver fillings.
Reply:I work for a dentist. You should dictate what happens in your mouth. You have every right and you should speak up and let them know you were disapointed and want resin from now on. Composite is not nessesarily better but, it does look better.


Make sure you ask questions in there .. so many people come in and don't say anything until its all over. You only have one set of teeth.. Take care of them.
Reply:It's NEVER wrong for you to insist on what you want. If you want something done a certain way, tell them. Explain the reasons why, and I'm sure they will take care of it as you request. If not, refuse the service there and find someone who will respect your wishes.
Reply:Most definitely discuss your desire for composite fillings in the back teeth. Dentists still do use the silver amalgam fillings and I think some tend to do it on habit...most insurance companies will pay for these and not cover the composites at the same percentage, so you may end up paying more for composite. With that said though, he still should have given you the choice. I am sure he will be more than willing to place a composite resin there for you.
Reply:you don't go in a store and buy things that you don't want just because someone threw it in your cart so why would you get something permanent that you don't want in one of the most important places ever. your dr gets paid millions of dollars to do his job so it should be a little hard for him. so tell him that you want the other kind and he should do it for you if he can.
Reply:Good on you Josi!


No particular filling is always better than another in all situations. If you have a preference, then bring this up with your dentist and ask for his views. Amalgams and composites are totally different materials that behave in different ways, and should be used for different reasons. To use one over another for the appearance only is simplistic and incorrect.


I realise that patients always want composites and automatically give them this if suitable. But sometimes amalgams will work much better, and I tell them why and they usually trust my judgement. As Josi says above, molars or high-stress situations usually work better with amalgams. I can put amalgams in much more difficult situations than composites anyday.


The idea that you don't have to remove more tooth structure with a composite is mostly simplistic nonsense. The decay largely sets the boundaries of the filling, not the other way around.


You really need a dentist that can discuss your concerns with you and gives sound reasons that make sense to you. Don't just go for someone who "only" does composites, nor someone who "only" does amalgam. The dentist with the best interests of your overall dental health will pick the best material for a given situation, and not choose to be limited by fashion or fads.
Reply:Silver fillings (Dental Amalgam) are actually the preferred dental filling material regarding the long-term results, but its main disadvantage is obviously, its lack of aesthetic. Resin Composite fillings (white fillings) are also a good tooth filling material but its disadvantage is that it can't bear the forces of mastication as much as the Dental Amalgam does. In summary, the two filling materials are almost similar, so go for the Resin Composite if you care more about aesthetics and go for Dental Amalgam if you care more about the long-term results.