Filling
Added: March 18, 2008 - 8:53 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Boston, MA
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Case Summary
Filling
Teeth: 4
Case Description
Hi, I recently went for a filling (with insurance) . Even though I requested for an amalgam (silver) filling, the Dr did a composite (white) filling saying that amalgam filling are not a good practice. I am apprehensive insurance might come up saying that doctor did a more expensive procedure where a less expensive procedure was sufficient.
Is the doctor right in saying amalgam filling are not good? Are there documentary references which I can cite if insurance comes after me?
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Reply: Filling
added: March 18, 2008 - 4:58 PM
There is nothing against amalgam, but you have to cut more tooth structure for retention, thus making the tooth weaker and in the long run easier to break depending on size of the cavity. I don''''''''t think you''''''''ll find documented evidence in theory stating that. Its a simple mechanical principle, weaker the tooth its easier to break. On the other hand when you do the white filling you just remove the decay and you can fill it without worrying about retention(force that acts against filing falling out) or cutting more grooves in the tooth, as the filling bonds to the tooth.So yes, if I had a filling to be done in my teeth I would go for a white filling irrespective of the size. Less cut tooth structure = saving money in the long run.No theoretical reference but you did the right thing. Can''''''''t really help you on the insurance issue. Ask the doctor''''''''s front desk they might be able to tell you better.There''''s very less in dentistry that''''s black and white and a lot falls in the grey area and decisions change with each situation.
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