Options for molar filling...

Floss

I've been to my dentist today for a checkup and we discussed the fate of at least one of my fillings, an upper molar which has a white (private) filling. There have been a few twinges and apparently it looks like it is beginning to fail, which given that it is approx. 15 years old is reasonable. 

I have some amalgam fillings that are over 15 years old and white ones which are younger (I was in Denplan from September 2006 to March 2019). I've been offered a choice, amalgam at £65 or white at £85. Is it worth paying the extra £20 for a white one which is UV sealed, or not to have a packed amalgam filling?

brook2jack2

you need you need to speak to your dentist about the pros and cons of each as it will depend on your general oral health, your diet , your bite, how well the tooth can be isolated , how large the filling is etc 

Floss

Thanks @brook2jack - we had the conversation and she said it's up to me...which wasn't any help!

Toothsmith

The choice used to be

If you want it to last the longest time possible, go for amalgam, if you want it to look best, choose white.

It's not quite as simple now. White fillings can last a similar time to amalgams, but generally only if it's a new cavity, and the cavity has been designed for white filling to go into it. There are subtle differences between how I'd prepare a cavity to take amalgam, compared to how I'd do it for white filling.

So if it's a new filling - then a white filling repair would probably be a smaller preparation hole than for amalgam. If it's a big hole anyway - then amalgam might be better.

If you're having a filling replaced, then maybe get put in whatever was taken out of it, as that was probably the material the cavity was designed for.

Of course, there are 1001 other possible modifying factors to what would be best - which is why your dentist is much better placed to advise you than random strangers on the internet. If the dentist isn't prepared to guide you in that choice - then are you with the right dentist for you?

Floss

Toothsmith said:

....Of course, there are 1001 other possible modifying factors to what would be best - which is why your dentist is much better placed to advise you than random strangers on the internet. If the dentist isn't prepared to guide you in that choice - then are you with the right dentist for you?

I was previously lucky enough to have had the same dentist from late 2006 until March 2019, from before his wedding, through becoming a partner to his second child going to school. Yes, I was paying, but I was happy with that & with the treatment.

This dentist was recommended by a colleague and is not local to me, being near work. I did feel very rushed on Wednesday, she didn't seem inclined to have a conversation which she had been last time. The practice do NHS & private work, and when I saw her last time it was my first appointment. I was ex-Denplan with my handover note, and i wonder if she thought i would be going private again.

I think I will see how the tooth goes, and meanwhile seek recommendations locally & from friends, but its likely to be NHS for now as there isn't the budget for a monthly Denplan payment.