Just got an ugly black filling...

Ninja_Mouse

Hello!

I've just come back from the dentist after getting a black filling. I wasn't offered a white filling and I didn't think to ask because I would always go for the white filling every time.

So I was wondering what I can do about it. Do they have to offer me the black or white filling? If so then do I have grounds for them to correct it for free? Otherwise I assume if they didn't have to offer me the white filling then I don't have any grounds to get them to correct it for free.

I'm really quite miffed now! If anyone has any input on this I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Farran

missymugwump

Because many white fillings are classed as a cosmetic treatment, you can only have them done privately. So costs can vary quite a lot from dentist to dentist.
Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used and the time it takes to complete the treatment.
Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the cost before you agree to treatment,however now you will have to pay to have the silver amalgam one removed as well

You should have asked at the time :-(

neilmcl

It's not always advisable to use a tooth-coloured filling as they're not as durable as a standard amalgam filling and not ideal for areas of heavy use, ie, molars. (btw they're silver coloured not black).

Ninja_Mouse

Thanks for your quick replies. I'm not worried about the difference between white/silver fillings, but where I stand legally. Every other time I've been offered I've always been offered the choice but last time I was not. It simply wouldn't occur to me to ask because I would NEVER choose a silver a filling. I've found the NHS dental help desk and apparently they only have to offer me what is clinically required and don't have to offer anything more. I cannot tell you how miffed I am about having this grotesque dark spot in my teeth now!

I think I will check out some private dental care as the NHS dental service is not something I've found to be that great.

Thanks,
Farran

Optimist

You have no grounds for complaint. You went in for NHS treatment and that is what you got. Next time you visit ask how much to have it replaced by a white filling

vwelsh13

I think you can get white on nhs but only for first 4 front teeth

bosseyed

Ninja_Mouse wrote: »

Thanks for your quick replies. I'm not worried about the difference between white/silver fillings, but where I stand legally. Every other time I've been offered I've always been offered the choice but last time I was not. It simply wouldn't occur to me to ask because I would NEVER choose a silver a filling. I've found the NHS dental help desk and apparently they only have to offer me what is clinically required and don't have to offer anything more. I cannot tell you how miffed I am about having this grotesque dark spot in my teeth now!

What tooth is it in? If its a molar then get over it. If its in a front tooth just register private and pay for a white one.

Dellers

I got a white one yesterday on my molar. Cost £130

Toothsmith

It is the dentists obligation to obtain "Informed Consent".

That is, you should have had it explained toyou exactky what treatment you needed, the costs, AND THE ALTERNATIVES.

Even if the alternatives are only available privately, the dentist has a duty to let you know that alternatives are available.

If you did not know what material was going to be used, then I would suggest that the dentist has not obtained 'informed consent' from you.

(Of course, sometimes patients do 'forget' discussions that have been had in the surgery)

Whether you actually do anything about it is up to you, but I would suggest that taking a drill to that tooth for a second time would do more damage than leaving things as they are.

Esoog

Ninja_Mouse wrote: »

Thanks for your quick replies. I'm not worried about the difference between white/silver fillings, but where I stand legally. Every other time I've been offered I've always been offered the choice but last time I was not. It simply wouldn't occur to me to ask because I would NEVER choose a silver a filling. I've found the NHS dental help desk and apparently they only have to offer me what is clinically required and don't have to offer anything more. I cannot tell you how miffed I am about having this grotesque dark spot in my teeth now!

I think I will check out some private dental care as the NHS dental service is not something I've found to be that great.

Thanks,
Farran

I don't want to appear rude here...but if you didn't want a grotesque dark spot in your teeth perhaps you should have brushed them better? :D

And to avoid anyone seeing it perhaps you could keep your mouth shut? :rotfl::o

nzmegs

As already mentioned sometimes back molars must be filled with amalgam due to the white fillings not being strong enough. Perhaps you weren't given an option as there was no option. it had to be silver or nothing. But question your dentist as there may be a way of coating the filling.