Folks,
I had a lengthy conversation with my dentist's wife
in which she explained to me that the ADA does not
allow the dentist to make any statements regarding
"unproven" health effects of mercury amalgams. He
can lose his licence if caught making such statements or
if he agrees to remove my fillings based only on my
wish to get the mercury out!
Thus, my dentist asserts that "silver" fillings are
inferior to the latest composite materials he uses
in that the composites do not decay underneath or crack like
silver. (I wondered why he was telling me that
even my newer fillings were deteriorating...)

The Committee for Toxic-free Dentistry will send
out a list of dentists in your area that do not
use mercury amalgams. I'd guess the mitral valve/
antibiotic thing would vary by th individual dentist.

Trish, most of my composites have been sensitive for
up to 6 mos. following replacement. I learned this
is fairly common. I only have one side done at a
time so I can have the other side to chew with. Your
bruxism probably complicates this, but my Mrs. Dentist
said the materials are improving so rapidly at this
point that her husband's once meticulously-stocked
materials cabinet remains skeletonized from month to
month now - that's how quickly the materials are
improved upon.

Hope this helps.

Lois