I recently moved to a new town and one of the first things I needed to do was find a new dentist because I have a couple of cavities on my back teeth that need filled. A co-worker of mine recommended a dentist, and when I went to see him he told me that he could only do amalgam fillings on those teeth, even though I insisted on white fillings. He claims the cavities are too deep to do white fillings. I don’t want amalgam, so I left the office quite annoyed. Are the fillings really too deep to do white fillings? Now I’m in search of another dentist who takes Denti-Cal insurance that will do the white fillings. — Leonard
Leonard,
First of all, the reason your dentist is giving as to why he can’t do white fillings is completely ridiculous. White fillings are better than amalgam for deep cavities because the composite material actually strengthen the structure of the tooth, making the tooth less susceptible to breaking – plus, sensitive to hot and cold is greatly reduced.
I think the problem may be with your insurance and your dentist just isn’t telling you. Denti-Cal is the government dental insurance plan in California and it doesn’t provide benefits for white fillings (because they cost more than amalgam). They don’t even allow you to pay the difference. Unfortunately, if you want white fillings, you’re going to have to pay the full amount out of your own pocket.
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