Tooth Fillings

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but 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 lets cavities get started once again. With age, silver fillings expand and contract which can in turn cause a tooth to fracture.

Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations(Composites and Ceramics).

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Some ofthe resins used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride which can help prevent recurrent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations. This process generally requires one appointment if composite materials can be used or two visits in the case of laboratory-fabricated ceramic restorations. The procedure for a ceramic restoration is as follows:

Your First Appointment:

The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
A temporary is placed on the tooth.

At the Lab: A ceramic restoration is carefully fabricated on a model of your teeth to restore the natural appearance and function of your original tooth.

Your Second Appointment:

The temporary is removed.
A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to create a strong bond with resin cement.
Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the restoration to the tooth.
The bite is adjusted as needed and the restoration is polished.