Future of Amalgam Restorations?
Dr. F. asks:
I would like to go amalgam-free. How do I accomplish this? In my area, all the GP’s still do amalgam restorations. Is it legal for me to advertise that I am an amalgam-free dental practice? I am a bit unclear on the authority of the state dental boards in this matter. If I feel that it is unethical to continue to do amalgam restorations – considering the all of the questions concerning its biohazard or toxic nature – can the state dental board still compel me to do amalgam restorations? Is my license in jeopardy?
4 Comments on Future of Amalgam Restorations?
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doctorberg
12/2/2008
Nobody can force you to do amalgams, and is not un ethical to advertise yourself as no amalgam dentist, you just dont have to imply that they are bad, amalgams are still ada approved so dont. It is also considered un ethical to remove amalgams to replace them with composite restorations if the amalgams are ok, unless the patient explicitly demands a cosmetic makeover.
Just stop doing amalgams and start the wonderful live of the cosmetic dentistry(jajajaja). This requires a good plan(think well what to do in what case, get it in a mision statement, and stick to it, dont improvise)
Get a good camera and before starting get yourselñf accredited to do posterior cosmetic restorations.
best of luck
Frank Strauss
12/2/2008
I'm afraid that even if you become a no-amalgam dentist, whether you advertise it or not, you will still have to live with the biohazard, unless you can restrict your practice to no-amalgam patients. If you practice in NY, you must have an amalgam separator installed in your suction line.
P Thirani
12/19/2008
I am practising in a suburb in mumbai India and I have almost a amalgam free practise. It was very simple really I just made a poster comparing amalgam vs coposite and put it in my waiting room. Pt sees it and is covinced before entering the operatory. If he is not I show him photographs of failed amalgam fillings and explain how there is micro leakage around the filling that usually is sufficient if still pt for monetory reasons wants to go for amalgam I do it. But I do no more than 1 amalgam filling in 3 months vs 10 to 15 composite in a month.
davidbolg
1/21/2009
Rarely discussed among amalgam-free dentists is what to do if you can't get a clean, dry margin in the gingival. If you've got the kind of patients who won't balk at the idea of going with a crown, fine. If not, you really aren't doing a good servive by placing composite in that situation. Amalgam is a "forgiving material" ideally suited for that.Also,I use amalgam after coating the prep with Duraflor in patients with a high caries rate or xerostomia. I think being "almost amalgam-free" is the way to go.
