7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Why Should You Replace Your Silver Fillings
Silver mercury amalgam fillings were used for many years in dentistry. You’ve likely had one in your lifetime. In recent years, there has been a shift away from silver fillings for several reasons. Dr. Brittain recommends replacing them with porcelain tooth-colored fillings because they result in a stronger tooth and higher aesthetic value.
Beyond aesthetics and strength, replacing old silver fillings is also a proactive step toward better long-term oral health. As amalgam fillings age, they become increasingly prone to cracking, leaking, and allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth, often without any visible warning signs. Transitioning to tooth-colored resin restorations gives your teeth a fresh, durable foundation while eliminating the ongoing concern of mercury exposure that comes with aging amalgam fillings.
The Disadvantages of Silver Fillings
The edges of silver fillings tend to wear down over time. Eventually, they become weak and break. When this happens, the tooth is at risk of cavities. Also, silver fillings tend to expand and contract, which can cause the tooth to split. Again, this results in bacteria and possibly cavities. Silver fillings also contain approximately 50 percent mercury. Mercury can corrode, leak, and potentially cause stains on your teeth and gums.
What to Expect When Replacing Your Silver Fillings
Replacing silver fillings at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale is a straightforward procedure that Dr. Brittain performs with careful attention to both safety and comfort. Here is what the process typically looks like:
- Mercury Safe Removal — Dr. Brittain follows mercury safe protocols during removal to minimize vapor exposure and protect both you and our dental team throughout the procedure.
- Tooth Preparation — Once the old filling is safely removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned and any new decay is addressed before the new restoration is placed.
- Custom Color Matching — The composite resin is carefully shade-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, ensuring a completely natural-looking result.
- Bonding and Shaping — The resin is bonded directly to the tooth, shaped to fit your bite precisely, and polished to a smooth, natural finish.
- Immediate Results — Unlike some restorations that require a return visit, tooth-colored fillings are completed in a single appointment and you leave with a fully restored smile the same day.
The Advantages of Tooth-colored Fillings With Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale
Resin on-lays are bonded to the tooth, creating an extremely tight fit superior to silver fillings. We always want to save as much of the tooth as possible. Restorations using resin can be used in situations when most of the original tooth has been lost. This allows the tooth to stay intact.
Also, the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contains fluoride, which helps to fight off decay. The resin wears like a natural tooth and does not require placement at the gum line. This results in a wonderful, natural-looking smile.
If you’re interested in replacing your silver fillings with tooth-colored resin fillings, please reach out to schedule a consultation. Give us a call at 480-719-6994 or email us.