I know amalgam fillings are more durable. However, they also require drilling away more of the tooth. Given this, which is a better choice for filling a molar in the long run for a young person? [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug on May 21, 2013 - 15 answers

I never want to have another cavity in my teeth. Help make this dream a reality. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 on Feb 4, 2013 - 34 answers

Where can I find good and affordable dental care in the Boston area? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer on Oct 7, 2011 - 7 answers

You Are Not My Dentist-filter: Tooth filled with composite (white) filling six months ago. This week, it's started hurting when chewing or when drinking hot drinks. Why? [more inside]
posted by mippy on Jun 30, 2011 - 14 answers

Does what my dentist's receptionist told me re: dental insurance and my deductible make sense? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton on Feb 8, 2010 - 12 answers

Big throbbing hole in my tooth. Two weeks until the root canal. No instructions on what to do in the meantime. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 22, 2009 - 20 answers

My three year old just had his filling break off (or fall out) his front tooth a mere seven days after having a dental procedure. Needless to say, it looks AWFUL. Is there some dental technique I should ask my dentist about to get something that will provide a more permanent(ish) solution until his adult teeth come in? Lots more below. [more inside]
posted by swilkerson on Apr 18, 2009 - 15 answers

Dammit. It looks like part of a filling in one of my molars has fallen out... on the evening before Thanksgiving, naturally! I've already called my dentist and no one's in the office till Monday (and I don't think this counts as a bona fide emergency). What should I do to minimize the damage till I can get in to see him? [more inside]
posted by scody on Nov 21, 2007 - 15 answers

Is there really an advantage to gold dental fillings? [more inside]
posted by Joey Michaels on Apr 1, 2006 - 9 answers

I lost a filling the other day and figure its most likely I swallowed it (in my sleep). Is this likely to present any danger to my health? Will it most likely just be inert and come out in the wash, so to speak? I'm not sure what it was made of, whatever they were putting in UK NHS amalgam 7-8 years ago.
posted by biffa on Apr 15, 2004 - 6 answers