TREATMENTS

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 ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth Colored (resin) Restorations and porcelain inlays/onlays create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. 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, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age and temperature changes, 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.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Porcelain and resin inlays/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.

Since the resin used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing silver mercury fillings with tooth colored (resin) restorations

Your silver mercury fillings can safely be replaced with resin or composite restorations. During this procedure, your old silver mercury filling and decay, if any, is removed. Subsequently, the composite resin is added to the tooth in layers to replace the missing tooth structure. The resin is then shaped to the natural anatomy of the tooth and polished. This procedure is completed in one appointment.

Replacing Silver mercury fillings with porcelain inlay/onlay

You can have your silver fillings replaced with porcelain inlays/onlays. This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment:

The old filling is removed and any additional decay.
An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
A temporary inlay/onlay is placed on the tooth.

At the Lab: Your impression is used to make a model of your teeth. A porcelain restoration is fabricated to replace the missing part of your tooth. This restoration matches the shape and color of your tooth.

Your Second Appointment:

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