dental Fillings

AMALGAM FILLINGS

Amalgam fillings, also known as “silver fillings”, are a material made of a mixture of metals including silver, copper, and tin. These fillings have been used for more than 150 years and are known for being strong, durable, and cost-effective.

However, there are many disadvantages to amalgam fillings. The edges of amalgam fillings can wear down, become weak, and break resulting in the tooth not being protected and allowing bacteria to cause decay under the existing filling. With age, the metal of an amalgam filling expands and contracts which often results in the tooth cracking around the filling.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with composite fillings when indicated.

COMPOSITE FILLINGS

Composite fillings, or “white fillings”, are a resin material made from a mixture of plastic and glass particles. Composite fillings are bonded to the tooth and therefore require less tooth structure to be removed, helps prevent tooth sensitivity, and prevents bacteria from getting between the tooth and filling. Composite fillings allow the dentist to match the color of the filling as close to the color of the tooth as possible, making the filling nearly invisible. These fillings wear like natural teeth and do not cause stress on the tooth like amalgam fillings do.

REPLACING AMALGAM FILLINGS

Amalgam fillings will be replaced with a composite filling if the amalgam filling has failed due to fracturing or recurrent decay. We do not advise replacing a perfectly good amalgam filling unless the patient requests a replacement.