Tooth Fillings
We are a “mercury-free” practice, and Dr. Hill converted fully to resin (tooth-colored) fillings in 1996. 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 contribute to micro-cracks which can lead to bite pain and/or breaking of teeth which can sometimes be catastrophic. Tooth-colored, bonded resins create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) are used when there is not enough tooth structure left to support a resing filling. 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, leak, 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. Many teeth with metal fillings develop cracks that slowly enlarge over time and can lead to bite pain and breakage. Sometimes the break extends below the gum line and ruins the tooth.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Silver filling contain mercury, silver, tin and copper. You wouldn’t wear this mixture as jewelry, so why wear it in the wet environment of your mouth?
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations, the most obvious is their shade match to your natural teeth. Another very important advantage is that they are physically bonded to your tooth, rather than wedged in like with silver fillings. When too much of the tooth is missing, Porcelain 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.
The result is a beautiful smile!
Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Smile?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with resin fillings in one visit. In cases where ceramic onlays are needed for additional strength, a longer visit is required but Dr. Hill can also do these procedures in a single visit.
Your Appointment:
- The tooth is fully numbed.
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- A special step-by-step procedure is done to bond the resin material to the tooth.
- The filling is adjusted so that the bite is ideal, then it is polished.
Materials and techniques:
Bonded resin fillings are much more technique sensitive than silver fillings. Dr. Hill has spent years finding the best technique for strength, longevity and avoiding sensitivity. He continues to update our treatments with the best of the latest materials and techniques through research and continuing education.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!