Replacing Black and Unsightly Silver fillings

As we  know, tooth decay can lead to cavities. For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. Historically, the only other alternative was gold, and that was always too expensive for most people. These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed. However, over time, the amalgam can corrode and leak. Teeth can tern crack because of the expansion of the amalgam. This blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This can be seen when a patient opens his or her mouth.

Now, we have many ways to provide tooth-colored restorations. We can use adhesives to bond ,tooth parts that look and act like teeth. We can provide a bright, healthy and strong smile with these exciting new techniques in adhesion dentistry. 

Composite fillings are a new and economical way to restore teeth while keeping patients' smiles looking great. They are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them appear invisible. 

Tooth-colored resin fillings are made of glass particles in a plastic matrix. The doctor bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use. 

Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old fillings. 

If you are thinking of replacing your old fillings, give us a call today. 

410-535-5055