Silver Fillings

Though not as common as they used to be, many patients have silver and mercury fillings from past treatments. These fillings are much more visible than their modern counterparts and result in 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.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings

There are many disadvantages to silver fillings. The edges of the filling easily break down over time and allow the previously treated cavity to worsen. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Silver fillings also contain up to 50 percent mercury, which can corrode, leak, and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely and easily be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

Replacing silver fillings with safer and longer-lasting tooth-colored fillings has numerous advantages. The resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tighter 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.

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

The restoration and replacement process requires two appointments.

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 onlay is placed on the tooth.

Your Second Appointment

• The temporary onlay is removed.
• A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
• Bonding cement is 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 stronger and the tooth is protected!