Metal or Plastic

[DebE13]

This isn't related to MC but I value everyone's opinion. I have a cracked molar that can be repaired with a filling and I have the choice of a metal (silver & mercury ) or composite (who knows what chemicals are in the plastic). My insurance will pay for the metal because it's cheaper. I can pay the difference for the composite and am waiting to find out what that amount is. I have enough issues to deal with and this is a highly debatable issue. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[Gabes-Apg]

Deb
it is MC related as so many of us have had dental isssues....

There are pro’s and cons for both options (nothing is ever easy in MC world.......)
And each dentist has their opinion…..

Metal (that has some mercury in it) does get some criticism for increasing mercury levels in the persons blood stream. For every article saying this is bad, there are just as many articles saying we get the equivalent amount of mercury from fish we eat, and contact with other sources.
Metal will last 7 – 10 years

Plastic (Composite) given my medical history, current teeth issues, Gerd issues, my dentist will no longer use composite on me. He said it will only last 2 – 4 years.
in my case, for every tooth where composite has been used in the past (I have four of them), the tooth with the composite and the tooth beside the composite has issues. He says that the occurance of long term bacteria issues is higher with composite.

Prior to my teeth issues 12 months ago, I was considering having existing metal removed and replaced with composite.
Then, with the Gerd issues, and that I have quite a few teeth is with issues (I have at least 4 molers that will need major attention in the next 3 years, and another 4 we are monitoring)

If I didnt want metal and the dentist would not do composite, The other solution is removal of all the molers now, which I can not afford the surgery cost and time off work so I have decided to use metal so I can get through the next 10 years.

Cost is a major factor for me, metal is covered 80% by my health fund, composite is only covered 40% -

When I had a lengthy discussion with my dentist about all this, the only other option to avoid the mercury was to use gold. (not covered by health fund) I definitely can not afford that.

I spent many weeks researching and reading as I was unsettled about the situation. Ultimately cost and trying to minimise issues in the next 3 years was the main decision points.

Hope this helps

[Joefnh]

Ditto to what Gabes said...and the plastic can tend to harbour more bacteria leading to issues with adjacent teeth, this is due to the surface of the plastic becoming 'scratched' and those areas allow the bacteria to collect.

[DebE13]

Thanks Gabes & Joe, I learned something new about composite fillings that makes me reconsider my original opinion. I never thought to ask about lifetime of the filling, either. Thanks!

[Gabes-Apg]

Deb
the other factor with composites is that - there quite a technique to getting them right. if the dentist does not follow the procedure 100% correct this also increases the risk for issues
in the case of amalgum, it is hard to get it wrong...

there are quite a few articles /blog discussions on the net with people having issues with the composite. Example below.

keep in mind for me having the GERD issus (although minimal/non existant most of the time) was a main factor to me considering cost and how long it will last....

Composites used in posterior restorations (back teeth, or molars) are more prone to failure because of the immense forces placed upon them during chewing. As is described on the Preserving Tooth Structure page, these forces are distributed evenly to the core of the tooth, when the tooth is intact. Composites do not have the ability to transfer these forces efficiently, and as a result, are prone to failure. Posterior composite restorations have been shown to last for a significantly shorter period of time than amalgam fillings.
These restorations may also leak, and allow bacteria, viruses, toxins, and infectious agents into the interior of the tooth, and eventually the bloodstream. While they may look aesthetically pleasing at first, eventually they do deteriorate and discolor.

http://www.cdchealth.com/disadvantageso ... sites.html

[Gabes-Apg]

Deb
when i was contemplating this same subject, doing my research, it was this web page that confirmed my decision. It is a trained dentist who now has a natural focus.

http://coalescentmedic.wordpress.com/20 ... am-debate/

it is well written, good summary.

quite a few of the other discussion pages on this subject point out that the method and technique for completing composite fillings is not taught in the normal Dentistry 4-6 year course. if dentists want to do this type of work, they have to do additional studies.
if you do choose composite, make sure your dentist has been doing the technique for quite a few years.