Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 7/30/2007

Question
I was recently convinced by my dentist to replace 9 silver mercury fillings to composites after I was hesitant, mostly due to cost.  After replacing one on my lower left molar, I started experiencing pain to hard (crunchy) foods and sensitivity to cold.  He replaced it again and I still have the problem.  He now says I need a crown.  
I didn't have this problem before and am frustrated because I was convinced to replace my fillings and now have problems and more expenses.
Is this something that typically happens?  Should I trust him or seek a second opinioin?

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Adrian,

While I won't say that the need to replace a just-placed filling with a crown is typical, it is certainly not unprecedented-- it is sometimes difficult to predict in advance just how well a tooth will fare with a new filling. Especially if the cavity is deep, there is the potential for sensitivity or breakage to occur whenever there is drilling on a tooth.

Of course, there should have been a legitimate reason why the filling was replaced in the first place, but an unfavorable result is always a possibility; there is no type of treatment that offers a 100% success rate. In situations where a filling fails to provide adequate service so soon after it is placed, I usually concede that the failure is evidence of an inappropriate treatment choice, and I will sometimes credit the amount that was paid for the filling toward the crown fee. Your dentist may or may not feel that he owes you the same consideration.

In any event, you are always free to seek a second opinion if you think the treatment you received was inappropriate or sub-standard. If you choose to do so, be sure to request copies of the preoperative x-rays so that the next dentist can confirm that the filling replacement was justified.

Good luck!

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY