TREATMENTS

Restoring a Tooth

We are a mercury-free practice. 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 result in a weaker tooth structure. Composite Resin, Porcelain Inlays and Onlays create fillings that are not only beautiful and unnoticeable, but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and extremely strong, thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver Fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of a silver filling can wear down, corrode or disintegrate. This results in the tooth not being protected, and it allows cavities to get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split. This is because silver fillings usually contain about 50 percent mercury. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations:

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Modern composite resin fillings can be chemically fused (“bonded”) to the tooth itself, allowing for a much more intact restoration long-term. In addition, a tooth-colored filling doesn't expand and contract with temperature changes the way a silver/mercury filling does. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride this helps to prevent decay.

Ceramic Onlays and Inlays:

These are cast restorations that 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 restoration wears like a natural tooth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums! The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with Tooth Colored Restorations has the added advantage of making your teeth appear life-like again, without those unsightly black spots!