If you have old, dark silver (amalgam) fillings, you might be wondering if they should be replaced. While silver fillings have been a common restorative material for decades, modern dentistry now offers superior options that are healthier, stronger, and more aesthetic: tooth-colored composite fillings.
At Crown Dental Group in National City, we specialize in providing seamless, metal-free restorations that preserve the beauty and integrity of your smile.
Why Patients Choose to Replace Silver Fillings
1. Aesthetics and Appearance
The most obvious reason is cosmetic. Silver fillings stand out starkly against your natural white tooth structure, often casting a dark shadow when you smile. Tooth-colored composite fillings blend perfectly with your surrounding enamel, making your dental work virtually invisible.
2. Protecting Tooth Structure
Silver (amalgam) fillings expand and contract over time with temperature changes. This movement can put stress on the surrounding tooth structure, often leading to cracks and fractures.
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, actually strengthening the tooth and requiring less drilling than amalgam fillings.
3. Detecting Underlying Issues
Amalgam fillings are opaque, making it difficult for dentists to spot decay developing underneath them using traditional X-rays. When we replace old amalgam, we can thoroughly clean and inspect the entire cavity, ensuring no hidden decay is left behind.
The Tooth-Colored Filling Process
Replacing an old silver filling with a new, tooth-colored composite filling is a straightforward procedure:
Removal: The dentist carefully removes the old amalgam filling and any underlying decay.
Preparation: The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared.
Bonding: The composite resin is applied in layers, sculpted to match the natural contours of your tooth, and cured (hardened) with a special light.
Polishing: The filling is polished for a smooth, natural finish.
If your old silver fillings are large, they may need to be replaced with a dental crown instead of a filling to ensure proper support.
Ready to discuss replacing your old silver fillings? Call Crown Dental Group in National City today to schedule your consultation.
