Tag Archives: composite fillings

Mercury Free

Are mercury free fillings hard to learn?

I want to get a white filling that doesn’t have mercury in them. The problem is my dentist told me he doesn’t know how to do them.  Would it be hard to learn? Could you talk him through it in a blog post?

Samantha – Houston

Samantha,

You are fortunate that you have such an honest dentist.  Some would just try to bluff their way through it, which could be a disaster. When these fillings are improperly placed they can cause problems.

While, they are not difficult to learn, they do require some specialized training.  I don’t think walking him through it on a blog would be a safe thing to do. There are plenty of places where he could learn the techique.  Until then, you’ll need somewhere to get a mercury free filing. I’d ask your dentist to recommend someone local, but make it clear to him that you plan on keeping him as your dentist, so he doesn’t feel threatened.

This will be good for your dentist. I can’t imagine not knowing how to place a composite filling in the 21st century.

This blog is brought to you by Chicago Holistic Dentist Dr. Kasia Lopez.

White Fillings

Sensitive composite filling

I had some composite fillings placed on my teeth. I’m not having pain or sensitivity. But, one of the fillings feels a little uncomfortable when it is pressed. My dentist has already replaced it once.  Does he need to do it again?

Sylvia- Alaska

Sylvia,

Though I couldn’t be certain without seeing your tooth myself, I really don’t think you have anything you worry about. It is not uncommon for there to be some sensitivity to your white fillings for several days.

You may also be interested in learning about porcelain crowns.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Fillings

Rash from filling

I had a silver filling put on one of my back teeth. I’ve since developed a rash on the outside of my face right about the same place as the filling. I just learned that silver fillings are loaded with mercury. Could that be why I’ve got the rash?

I’m worried now.

Karen A. from Rockport

Karen,

Generally people who have allergic reactions to fillings will have them inside their mouth, not on the outside of their face. It is possible that you had an allergic reaction to the latex in  your dentist’s gloves. I’ve never heard of a filling affecting the outside of your mouth though.

If the mercury in the silver/amalgam fillings worries you, you can always have your dentist replace them with composite fillings. If he doesn’t place those, you can just do an internet search for a mercury free dentist. Composite fillings do take some extra training, so not all dentists are ready to place them.

I hope this eases your mind.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Dental Crowns

How to tell if you need crowns

My dentist wants to replace my silver fillings in #3,4,5 with crowns. How can I tell if that is necessary?

Madeline J. from Wisconsin.

Madeline,

In dental school we are taught a few guidelines that can make a dental crown desirable.  Two of the main ones are: 1. The width of the filling: Once a filling gets to to a certain width it weakens the tooth and makes it prone to fracture. 2. There may be fracture lines showing.  Amalgam (silver) fillings tend to weaken a tooth.

Other than this it is really a judgment call on the part of your dentist. That is why it is so important to have a dentist you feel you can trust. Most dentists are trustworthy, but there are a few out there that use pressure sales tactics or try to rush you into a treatment option. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with the decision you can get a second opinion. Just make sure the second dentist doesn’t know who the first dentist is or what treatment recommendation you were giving. It is always best to get a blind second opinion.

You may also be interested in a Mercury-free dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.