On Dec 30, 11:39 am, Steven Bornfeld <dentaltwinm...@earthlink.net>
wrote:

Thankyou, Steve.

I never really noticed before whether or not the upper molars (#3 and
#14) actually made contact with the lowers, but, I believe they
probably did because my lowers on both sides are partials that I had
put in about 7 years ago.  At that time, they made impressions of my
uppers (amalgam at that time), and matched them.  I was so very
pleased with those partials because it made it possible to really
grind my food after that.  When I went in for replacements, I brought
the partials and told my dentist to be sure and match the new fillings
(composite), and, after the fillings were in, the assistant put some
kind of thin foil thingie between my uppers and lowers and told me to
bite down - the dentist looked at the tin foil and said it was ok.  I
was still numb from the deadening and laughing gas and didn't notice
until about an hour later when I put the dental floss and then I
realized they did not make contact with the matching partials below.

The problem is that my uppers had dropped down considerably over the
years before I finally got the partials made, and, I fear that this
slight gap, which is probaably a little over half a millimeter will
cause them to drop down even further.  I plan on going back for a
follow up with the dentist and raise this issue, but, I was hoping to
find out what the usual practice is when replacing a filling.  The
previous amalgam filling almost completely covered the crown on one
side, and half covered the crown on the other side, so, I think the
previous fillings actually funtioned as part of the grinding process
(a small portion of the previous filling had chipped off on one
side).

I don't know how much difficulty it is to fill in this small gap, and
I don't know what is considered standard good dentistry in cases like
this.  I can't make contact between these uppers and my partial no
matter how much moving around of my jaw I do - there still is a small
gap, but, since it is small, some grinding does occur.  I was just
afraid that they should be making contact with a pressure equal to
that between those in front, and back, which feels like pretty much
equal when I try to pull the floss loose on those matching molars (in
front and back) - they make four points of equal pressure contact.

I was hoping to get more informed before I go back because I don't
know what is standard dental practice, and, not to denigrate dentists
in general, but, dentists might not want to admit a slight mishap if
the patient is not informed enough to complain.  If these fillings
have to be done over again (can you just add more composite after it
has hardened?  I am guessing you probably can't), then that would not
be profitable for the dentist, but, I would feel cheated since I
brought my partials with me, and asked her specifically to make sure
the replacement fillings matched up.

Anyway, I just want to be better informed as to what is, and what is
not, considered good dental practice in these kinds of cases.

Thanks again, if you have more insight, please respond.