Fillings/Restorations

Tooth Fillings

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver (amalgam)/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. Not only are these silver fillings not particularly pleasing to the eye, but they also result in a weaker tooth structure over time as well. Porcelain and composite restorations are unnoticeable to the eye, and also add strength to weakened teeth.These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and allows cavities to begin developing once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury, which can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with composite restorations.

Advantages of Composite Restorations:

There are many advantages to composite restorations. The reason most patients prefer a composite restoration over an amalgam filling is that it matches the color of your natural teeth. Instead of having silver fillings throughout your entire mouth, composite restorations are unnoticeable to the eye, as well as being very strong and durable. Composite materials can also be inserted into any size cavity, thus, eliminating the process of drilling more than the necessary amount of tooth structure to fit an amalgam filling. These composite materials hold up well to the forces of biting and everyday chewing, while still maximizing the amount of tooth preserved.

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration:

You can have your silver fillings replaced with composite restorations in just a few simple steps:

The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new restoration.
Bonding agents are placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel. They are now stronger and the tooth is protected!