Fillings

A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used artificially to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma.  Dental restorations may be fabricated out of a variety of materials:

Dental Composites

Dental composites are also called white fillings. Their strength and durability are not as high as porcelain or metal restorations and they are more prone to wear and discoloration.

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. Composite restorations are aesthetically pleasing, require less removal of healthy tooth structure for placement, and are very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Replacing Silver Fillings With A Tooth-Colored Restoration

The edges of a silver filling can wear down, become weak or break.  This results in the tooth not being protected and creates an environment where cavities get started once again.  With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

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.