Sensitive Composite Fillings

Dentists that were trained in the ‘70’s were taught in a drastically different way than younger dentists. A patient may feel that an experienced dentist is a better choice, but that is only true if that dentist has kept up with the changes (and many have not). Mercury (amalgam) fillings are cheaper, quicker and relatively easier to place than composites. They are also much more aggressive to the teeth, as the metal filling needs a minimum thickness or else the filling will break. They also do not bond to the tooth, so undercuts in the teeth are created so that after the material is hardened or set, the filling won’t fall out. In the short term this is fine, but over time this leads to tooth fracture.

If all steps were properly followed and pain or sensitivity remains, it is possible more was initially needed. This doesn’t mean something was done wrong or poorly, but may mean something like a nerve was needing treatment. This is like if a band-aid was placed over a knife wound, it simply wasn’t enough. Proper diagnosis is often difficult, but one would normally want a dentist to try a cheaper and less invasive treatment before the more expensive and challenging one. Root canal therapy and a crown may be the more proper treatment instead of a filling.

Lance Timmerman