Re: Dentist Has Cancelled Twice (was: Dentist agreed to remove mercury. Update re Ear ache with OP)

Scouter,
With removing amalgam, the number one most effective way to protect yourself is to have a rubber dam placed when they remove the filling. Most dental offices (at least in the US) should be equipt to do this.

The problem with goverment sponsored care is they are spending other people's money, and therefore usually try to get the most bang for the buck. When it comes to dentistry, this means Amalgam over composite (amalgam lasts 2-3 times longer). When it comes to your case, you mentioned you lost some tooth structure as well. Composites are not great at all for replacing cusps or large portions of tooth structure because they lack the strength of amalgam, which can be used instead of a crown in some instances. Again, with the government, you don't get a lot of choice, and the dentists may be restricted under their employment contracts. Lack of choice doesn't make anyone happy, patient or dentist.

Good luck with whatever you decide.