3 of 8 composite tooth fillings failed in 8 years

[Dennis S]

I had 8 amalgam fillings from the early-mid 60's replaced by composites in 1999. Two of them have cracked the whole tooth and another one has come out. I'm reluctant to get the one refilled with composite material. Should I get it filled with amalgam?

[JoeH]

Probably. Short of going to gold, amalgam over the years has one of the highest durability of filling materials used by dentists. And that is from my former brother-in-law, a dentist for the last 15-20 years.

[MacMagus]

No.

Mercury fillings are bad. Mmkay?

[Marc Anthony]

I had 3 amalgam fillings that lasted for about 15 years, and they were drilled out to be replaced with composite. The composite looks 100% better, and I endured a brimstone-esque flavor for over a week when the amalgam shite was removed, as well as being exposed to hella amounts of metal shavings. I don't care if the composites fail early, they will only be replaced with composite - that mercury laden dust cloud probably shortened my life.

[macnut]

Dental_amalgam_controversy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_amalgam_controversy

[cbelt3]

I hear that being exposed to the dangerous nuclear powered electromagnetic radiation from that fiery looking thing in the sky is dangerous too. And there's that whole DiHydrogen Oxide chemical that has polluted this whole planet...

[Dennis S]

I had the amalgams removed for health reasons. My MD suggested it.

Do composites normally fail that often? Could the dentist who put them in have done it wrong?

[JoeH]

As the wikipedia article points out, the position that they are a health concern is only a minority position, and over a period of over 150 years has only had a few studies show any indication of a problem. In most cases there are multiple studies showing the opposite.

As for failing, yes composites can normally fail that often. No need for there to have been any improper procedure by the dentist who put them in. There have been improvements in the materials used, but even now for other than smaller restorations of back teeth, composites are mostly recommended for front teeth. How long they last is dependent on their size, location and how a person chews.

[bruceko]

In another 10 years they will find that composites cause cancer in rats.
Mercury, silver, tin and copper are natural. Composites are not.

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote cbelt3]And there's that whole DiHydrogen Oxide chemical that has polluted this whole planet... Actually Dihydrogen Monoxide "DHMO"
I hear that crap is the most corrosive stuff on this planet!!
Deadly as hell!!
Some more info.:
http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html
Snippet.:
"What are some of the dangers associated with DHMO?

Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:

Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
Contributes to soil erosion.
Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.
Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S.
Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect."

BGnR