Tooth Fillings

Silver Fillings:

Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years.  It is a mixture of mercury with at least one other metal.  Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.

Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons.  It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound.  Amalgam possesses greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as composite.  Historically, most amalgam restorations serve for 10 to 12 years, whereas resin-based composites serve for about half that time.  Modern dental bonding and resin composites have improved significantly and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement has improved their performance. It should be noted that composites may last 10-20 years depending on their size with a skilled dental provider.

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 often 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, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Additionally, silver fillings can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

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

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations:

There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material.  These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations.  Resin fillings, also known as composites, 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.

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 result is a beautiful smile!

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.