Amalgam filling replacement while on benefits?

Bridge-Burner

Greetings,
I need two fillings on my molars which already have amaglam on them but I don't want any more amalgam in there, I want white fillings. I also want the amaglam drilled out because I am disgusted by the fact that it contains 50% mercruy. I've had these for about ten years and the teeth refuse to remineralise around this toxic stuff.

I went for a regular check-up earlier today and he knows I want this done, he put a temporary filling in until I want them done. It was just something he said which I clicked after I had left the building. He said ''So you're willing to pay for this privately'' and I just said yeah. Then when I left I realised that I maybe could have got him to do it for free as I was on benefits and I need the fillings done pretty soon.

I am on jsa at the moment so get check-ups free. I was just wondering if I can get amalgam replacement payed for. I think amalgam should be banned like it is in other european countries. It's a crime against humanity along with fluoridated water.

Toothsmith

All necessary treatment will be carried out on the NHS.

That is the treatment you need. It doesn't cover cosmetic options, or options you require due to your beliefs.

The best way to replace amalgam fillings, unless they are quite small is usually with another amalgam. The cavity has been designed for that material already, and so that is the material which will last the longest when it's redone. Hence that will be the NHS material.

You can choose to have whatever you like put in your tooth though, provided your happy with the pros and cons of the options you choose, the dentist is happy to provide it and you can afford it.

Bridge-Burner

I'm thinking the work is necessary, I need fillings. Apparently composite fillings have come a long way and are better than amalgam now with the added benefit of not poisoning you. So if the dentist prefers using white composite fillings then for the filling to be placed properly he would need to remove the amalgam as I imagine white fillings don't sit well on top of amalgam.

Bridge-Burner

Does anyone know if you have a filling fitted to a tooth which already has a filling, does the old one get removed first no matter what type it is?

brook2jack

You don't always need to remove all an old filling first to place a new one, if you are sure there is no decay and if you can get the new filling to stick without removing the old filling.

No dentist on the NHS will be willing to place a large composite filling on a back tooth. Composites are much more time consuming to place and the materials are much more expensive. You have to accept if you want composite replacement fillings there will be a private charge it will not be covered on the nhs. Additionally there are many circumstances when composite on a back tooth is not the most appropriate treatment.

welshdent

No NHS dentist would remove amalgam and place composite for you on your request as part of an NHS course of treatment. Certainly none I know and I wouldnt. If you wanted composite fillings placed then you can pay privately for this. If a tooth needed a filling then the appropriate material for that cavity would be used to secure oral health. if you wanted specifically composite then again - private fees would apply