Tooth Fillings

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 can result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically 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.

 

Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They 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 many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin restorations 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 contains fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth!

 

The result is a beautiful smile!

 

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations. After getting you numb, the silver filling is removed and a new, tooth-colored resin restoration is placed. Your occlusion (the way your teeth come together) will then be checked and adjusted to ensure that your bite is correct and comfortable, and the new restoration will be polished.

Porcelain Inlay/Onlay Procedure

In those instances in which a simple resin restoration may not be the most ideal means of restoring your tooth, Dr. McDougall may recommend the placement of either a porcelain inlay or porcelain onlay.

Your First Appointment:

• The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
• An digital impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
• A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
• At the Lab: A porcelein inlay or onlay is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment:

• The temporary onlay is removed.
• A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
• Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
• The tooth is then polished.