are you given a choice as to what fillings to have?

why is it that porcelin fillings are not covered by dental insurance and the fillings that are covered dentists don't use anymore?
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Composite fillings are usually paid for when they are on your front teeth, otherwise they are considered cosmetic. A lot of dentists don't use amalgam (silver/mercury fillings) anymore because they have A LOT of mercury in them, they have to drill a HUGE hole in your tooth to place them (even if your cavity is tiny), and eventually they expand and break your tooth causing you to have to get crowns later on. Usually offices bill for the silver fillings that are placed in the back of the mouth, and then whatever is left that the insurance didn't pay for, you pay the difference. Some offices don't do silver fillings, so you won't have a choice. I would go to a dentist who ONLY does white/composite fillings.
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