Silver-mercury filling replacement
 

Tooth-colored "resin" fillings

For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth.

However over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and can be a source of embarrassment for the patient. There are alternatives for patients who don't like the discoloration associated with the amalgam.

Composite fillings are made of a tooth-colored resin that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible".  They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be allergic to metal fillings.

A more durable, stain resistant tooth colored filling may be made from reinforced porcelain.  These are custom made in the laboratory and then bonded into place at another appointment.

If the tooth is weak, a strong and esthetic porcelain wrapped crown may be a good choice of treatment.

Please don't hesitate to call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with tooth colored composite fillings, porcelain fillings or porcelain crowns.