Re: Filling pain - how long to subside before doing root canal?




Anyway, why the great stampede away from silver? Was it mainly for the
cosmetics, or were there other reasons? (Forgetting about the mercury
alarmists.) What about the claims of at least two dentists I know that
silver fillings last longer and leak less?

First, ALL restorative materials leak to a certain extent. Amalgam
leaks like a sieve. After the gap between the amalgam and the tooth
fill with corrosion products, it leaks less than when it was first
placed.

Composite actually bonds to tooth structure. Amalgam does not.
Properly placed composites absolutely leak less than amalgam.

Claims of superior longevity for any restorative material are
often judgement calls. It also matters who did the work, and
with what materials/technique.

It is a little more work, and a little more demanding to place a
good posterior composite. However, most of the important issues
are also important for a well done amalgam (i.e.-adequate decay
removal, uncontaminated tooth surfaces, and quality materials used
according to directions).

Cutting corners compromises quality of any dental work. Amalgam
can be more forgiving for sloppy technique, but that is really no
excuse to not be just as particular with amalgam as with composite.

I've been placing posterior composites since 1984. I have had excellent
retention and longevity with the material. I would place my restoration
success against their amalgams any day of the week.

As far as stampeding away from amalgam, I admit to being an early
convert to composites, but it was mainly from patient preference.
I would spend 10 minutes explaining the *honest* differences between
the materials, and then the patient would say, "I want the one that
looks like my tooth".

Sure, there were a few who said, "I don't care", but not many. I just
decided to quit wasting an hour a day when patients either preferred
composite, or didn't care either way.

Then it's just a matter of being good at what you do.

JMO,
D



.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: Amalgam vs. Composite
    ... about composite. ... amalgam restorations under tight controls, ... the group of restorations studied was a limited number done by a few ... longevity of both materials is about the same. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
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