A question. Was the cavity large and in a rear tooth? if so, then a composite might not have been appropriate, and then the choice would be a porcelain inlay or onlay or an amalgam. If he said the choice is an inlay or onlay or an amalgam, would you be happy to choose an inlay or onlay, even if it means her having to make a second visit to the dentist in two weeks, getting a temporary filling now, and paying a much higher cost? My dentist told me the other day that he does still use mercury amalgam once every few months, when a composite filling will not be strong enough(such as a large cavity in a rear tooth), and the patient is not willing to pay for an inlay or onlay.