Most people want tooth colored fillings also known as Composite. People are not typically asking for silver fillings. For you as a patient, it may be about how they look in your mouth. For us, it is all about what is a better material to fill the space a cavity has left in your tooth.
What is the difference between silver fillings and composite fillings?
- Silver fillings mechanically bond into the tooth.
- Composite fillings chemically bond to your tooth.
- Silver fillings expand and contract at a rate that is very different from you natural tooth. This causes microscopic gaps between your tooth and filling and to cavity causing microscopic bugs it is like the Grand Canyon.
- Composite fillings expand and contract at a rate that is much closer to your natural tooth maintaining the seal longer and keeping those pesky little bugs from starting a new cavity . And that is what we all want!!!!!!
So if composite fillings are better, why doesn’t your dental insurance cover them on back teeth? Some insurance plans do and you will need to check with your specific plan.
Dr. Gianino has not placed silver (amalgam) fillings in over 12 years . Due to the reasons above. Dr. Gainino and his assistants are also excellent at matching the color of the filling to your tooth’s natural color so that the fillings almost disappear . Let face it, who wouldn’t like to say I have never had a filling ;).
Insurance companies are only looking at their bottom line and trying to find ways to not pay for the treatment they had agreed to pay for when you signed up for and paid your premium for that insurance. Some insurances will pay a downgraded price for a white filling, the price they would pay if the dentist had placed the silver filling, leaving the difference to be paid by the patient . But others go as far as not paying anything even though a cavity was taken care of. This is something that is considered basic in most insurance policies. If they are paying less for your care; the more money (benefits) you are leaving unused and they are putting more money in their pockets.
The reality is that a cavity was removed and a filling placed and they should not interfere with the relationship between you and your dentist when it comes to your oral health. Just as medical insurance does not interfere with the routine care that your physician provides for you. Let’s face it, removal of cavities is routine care!
Sadly, we are the ones that spend hours fighting with your dental insurance companies to pay for routine quality care and we are here to help you get the best care available . Insurance companies let us get the joy of letting you know that your particular plan does not cover for this routine care.
Let us know what we can do to help you achieve that healthy smile. That’s why we are here!!
Have additional Massachusetts dental insurance or composite fillings questions? Don’t hesitate to Contact Us or leave a reply below and we will be happy to try and answer them for you!
