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Video: Amalgam Removal and Replacement
Question:
Replacing amalgam fillings with Crowns: My dentist recommends that I have all of my amalgam fillings replaced. He has recommended 4 crowns and 4 white replacement fillings.
How can I be sure that the crowns really need to be crowns instead of replacement fillings? The amount of work recommended was close to $10,000. He charges over a $1,000 for crowns and over $100 for fillings. ...Visitor from SC
Answer:
First of all, the dentist should be able to explain the reasons for replacing these fillings.
Amalgams (silver fillings) have mercury that expands and contracts at different rates than enamel in teeth. This difference causes fractures which may require crowns for proper protection.
In my practice, when discussing the use of crowns, we use an analogy of a thimble over the prepared tooth structure to bond everything together and stop fractures from propagating.
Secondly, the fees are certainly in line with fine dentistry. Crowns cost are largely dependant on the type of labs used. Cheap labs = cheap crowns. More expensive labs use finer materials, pay more attention to proper bite occlusion and they last longer as they are made under microscopes to prevent
large cement gaps from forming when the crown is cemented.
Lastly, if fillings are large they may last 1-2 years or more. We have no guarantees. If your dentist says you need these things and you trust them - get it done as you can afford it.
If you want a second opinion you should get one. You must be comfortable with the person working on you. You should have costs, alternatives, options, benefits, risks and disadvantages all explained
before beginning treatment.
It sounds like you have a comprehensive dentist that is looking out for your long term health. If finances preclude you from doing his plan - ask if you can do something less expensive now and phase
your treatment. Otherwise, find a dentist you trust.
Wisconsin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
Richard Winter, DDS MAGD
Winter Dental Associates
5323 W. Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee Wisconsin WI 53218
(414) 464-9021
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