Are "silver"/amalgam fillings done anymore? (vs, tooth, hurt)

[cyberphonics]

I'm currently looking for a new dentist and I'd like one where I have a choice between the amalgam fillings or the tooth colored composite fillings. However, all of the dentists in my area that I've been looking into so far state proudly that they don't use amalgam, only tooth colored composite, and some have even implied that amalgam is outdated and no longer commonly used throughout the field.

Is this true? Will "silver" fillings be harder to find someone who'll put in, especially if it's a private practice rather than a clinic or dental school?

[RDH35]

Generally yes. Most dental offices use the composite fillings these days. You might be able to find the old school Dentist out there who still offers amalgam. But generally yes, you'll probably find it only in a public health clinic or dental school.

[cyberphonics]

Thanks so much for the reply! I had all amalgam fillings in my mouth that I had no problems with (no pain, no new signs of decay) and they're all 5-10 years old. But my current dentist decided to replace some of them just because of their age. He's at a clinic though and was always using amalgam and all of the fillings turned out fine.

Except for the last one. I've been having problems with pain and a feeling like it's "open" or not fully connected or something just generally being off about it ever since it was put in and I've been back about it several times and they keep saying that they don't see anything wrong with it from examination or x-ray and it's been maybe two months plus now.

I only just started searching online for reasons my filling might hurt that a dentist may not be able to see on x-ray/examining and that was the first time I came across some of the pros and cons of amalgam vs composite fillings (my dentist never discussed any of this with me) and a lot of what was mentioned as being common problems with the composite material sounded like what was going on with this one tooth.

So out of curiosity, I looked in my mouth and sure enough, the problematic filling looks tooth colored and it's the only one so I plan to ask my dentist about that to be sure. The fact that it's composite may or may not be a part of the problem but this is the first time I've ever had a problem with a filling at all in my life (and I've got a ton of 'em lol).

And with it being an issue that seems more common with composite than amalgam, I decided it may be best for me to find a dentist where I'll have a choice just in case composite fillings continue to be problematic for me for whatever reason.

When a dentist says they don't use amalgam, is it likely that they just won't use it at all by default but will/can have it available if you specifically ask for it?

[RDH35]

It really depends upon the dentist and what they have chosen for their practice whether they may have amalgam at their disposal. I know, personally, the offices I have worked in have only used composite. But like I mentioned, I would seek out an older dentist (like literally look for a Dr that is very close to retirement) to see if they have it available. Good Luck on getting some relief in that tooth.

[cyberphonics]

Thank you!

[Redline]

Amalgam is still available but know that it is banned in certain countries. Some offices won't use amalgam as a personal choice. I've worked in all types of offices, some predominantly amalgam, some where half of the restorations were amalgam. My current practice has probably 5% amalgam. I always recommend the composites and the only time the patient will opt for an amalgam is usually if their insurance doesn't cover for a white filling and they want to save a couple of bucks. Either work properly as long as they are done correctly. The U.S. won't ban amalgam though, way too many lawsuits will come about if that ever happened.