Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

I went to this dentist today, and he said I should get all 3 of my amalgam fillings replaced since they were done about 10-14 years ago. Is this pretty common? They took some up close digital pictures of my teeth, and i could see all 3 fillings and the discoloration from where it appears the amalgam has chipped/worn away over the years. The tooth was actually a dark gray color, where the dentist said a new cavity has formed. The bacteria can apparently work themselves inbetween the tooth and the filling. The worst part is that he wants 250,000�� for each tooth. There is no way in hell im going to pay that much. I've read about other people paying 50k a tooth, which seems more reasonable.

Also, he said I need to get 2 of my wisdom teeth pulled, which I already knew from a few years ago. However, since the teeth are impacted, I'll need to get surgery. Anyone have any recommendations? The dentist said that my case is extremely dangerous because the teeth are right on the nerve line for my jaw, and its possible the nerve could be ripped, which would cause permanent numbness in my lower lip and possibly tongue. I would definately want a specialist to perform this. Anyone know of any?

[Milwaukiedave]

One of my co-workers is getting all four wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow. He said it was going to cost him $600. I can't remember insurance covers part of the cost.

I would think about seeking a second opinion on the fillings.

[crazylemongirl]

$600! Wow... I got my wisdom teeth done for 20,000won!

[plattwaz]

I was just on MSN with my sister (a dentist) while I was reading this, so I asked her about the amalgam fillings being changed.

She said, "There is no need to replace them "just because" -- no way.
Now, if there is decay underneath, or a leaking margin, or if the amalgam has chipped away, then yes, then that could be a problem, and it would be wise to change them. BUT if the white fillings are not done well then they will cause trouble in the future . . . and if there are no problems with them now, then it may cause unnecessary future grief..."

Hope that helps!

[Tukkong]

I just had an amalgam filling replaced. Actually, there was some decay at the front of the tooth, as well, which is the reason I got it done. It cost me 230,000 won for a gold inlay. The white inlay was 250,000 but the dentist said gold is better - I believe it is supposed to be harder, thereby lasting longer. Since it is a lower molar, it is only visible when I open my mouth up wide.

My dentist in Australia had suggested that, when I have time and money, I might consider getting the old fillings replaced. However, he said it is not urgent.

The reason it is expensive is that they don't just drill and fill - which is what I assumed they would do. Instead, they drill and then take an impression for the inlay. This is made by a specialist and takes a few days. It is then cemented into your tooth.

Hope this gives you some more insight.

[pet lover]

[cruisemonkey]

[Mr. Pink]

If the dentist wants to replace the fillings, it is probably with gold. Gold fillings are about 250k in Korea. That is because insurance doesn't cover them.

If I was you I would get it replaced asap. If it gets bad and you need a root canal done, a crown is going to cost you 300k+ and a root canal treatment takes weeks to complete.

As for the wisdom teeth, Korea is probably one of the best places to find good dentists. Koreans typically have crappy teeth or they just don't take care of their teeth properly. I had a wisdom tooth taken out here. It cost me 20k or so for the medicine afterwards. Insurance covers the actual treatment.

Your case sounds like you might want to check out a general hospital, that is where most specialists work.

If you have the crap fillings replaced and you are a cheapass, ask for resin fillings. Those are only 50k and insurance helps cover that cost. (You get what you pay for though...)

[Grotto]

if you need actual surgery go to a hospital and visit a dental surgeon. Dont let any of these clinic guys near you!