Dawn, I would under no circumstances take her back to this guy. For starters, he's not a biologic dentist, so he's not considering her well being AT ALL. You also require second opinion on something this big. Root canals cost a bunch and are very very toxic, moreso apparently than mercury. I have heard of how bad they are and sosick will tell you what happened to her after she got one.

Wipe this guy, take her to the biologic dentist who will give you his biologic opinion on what would be the best move for her. Also, it takes time for a tooth to settle after any replacement and pain is not abnormal. The mainstream dentist will be very quick to give her a root canal, as well as the fact this gives him a nice big sum of money in the process. Even if you were not bothered by the toxic side of it, second opinions are usually wise.

But I'd definitely wipe him either way. If it turns out with the biologic dentist that this tooth is too far gone? I would have it extracted, unless this biologic dentist has a new way of doing root canals that are proving safe. Otherwise extraction (with periodontal ligament removal and no vaso constrictor anaesthetic) might be the only other option.

It's one I may have to take too. I have one molar that has a very deep cavity and have found it painful on and off. The one thing I've learned is not to eat on that side too much, to let it rest and sometimes these things can improve again. Trauma from dental work doesn't help. I'd be surprised at her early age that she requires root canal.

Definitely get a second opinion Dawn, this guy still did his own thing without informing you, which shows he's not very trustworthy in the first place. If he realised that composite would not be suitable, he should have done NOTHING and then told you the situation. He just went and did it.

Also, this is rubbish anyway. Composites are much stronger these days and usually used in deep cavities anyway, but if this really WAS the case? Then why did he not use porcelain? Inlays are just fine. Very strong and are used in very deep cavities. Cerec is the one I chose, very biocompatible and apparently eliminates the need for a crown. Self repairing, almost life long lasting!

So the option could be removing the amalgam and if it requires a stronger material than composite? Porcelain could be the way to go (just make sure it's not metal base one). Cerec I think is one of the best. You can ask the dentist what kinds they have before taking this further.

There are many other options Dawn, forget the mainstream dentist, he's not got health in mind at all. Your Mother in law is buying into the bullshit of mercury safety. Mercury has been banned already in areas around the world. It is known how dangerous it is.