Composite fillings

Many patients today are seeking biocompatible, strong, and aesthetically pleasing options for repairing teeth, which is why our doctor team chooses composite fillings. Composite fillings not only provide a natural, tooth-colored appearance but also offer long-term benefits for the health and stability of your teeth. Unlike mercury fillings, composite materials bond directly to the tooth structure, strengthening it and reducing the risk of future cracks or fractures.

Our doctors often replace old silver fillings with composite for patients who are concerned about biocompatibility and the long-term stability of their teeth. During the procedure, the existing silver filling and any decay are carefully removed, ensuring the tooth is clean and healthy. The composite material is then layered into the tooth and cured with highly intense visible light, bonding securely to the tooth structure. The result is a restoration that not only looks natural but also supports the integrity of the tooth for years to come. The final restoration is virtually invisible, leaving your smile both beautiful and healthy.

Reasons for having a composite filling:

• Decay on a portion of any tooth
• Desire to maintain a white, beautiful smile
• To replace old-fashioned mercury (silver) fillings
• To restore a chipped tooth
• To cover exposed root surfaces (often from gum recession)

Considerations for removing mercury (silver) fillings

Mercury or “silver” fillings have been used for over 150 years and were once considered a durable option for tooth repair. These amalgam fillings are a blend of mercury, silver, and other metals, but despite their name, they consist of approximately 50% mercury—a known neurotoxin. In addition to concerns about mercury’s impact on overall health, these fillings can expand and contract over time, potentially causing teeth to crack or fracture. They also don’t bond to the tooth structure, which can lead to further decay around the filling. Additionally, mercury fillings can cause teeth to discolor, giving them a dark, unsightly appearance.

At our office, we’ve always been committed to providing safe, modern, and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions. That’s why we are proudly mercury-free, offering composite fillings and other alternatives that not only look natural but also strengthen and protect your teeth in the long term.

Advantages of composite over silver (or mercury) fillings:

• Conservative Care: Composite fillings are bonded directly to the tooth, allowing us to restore structural integrity without the need for extensive drilling. This approach preserves more of your natural tooth structure compared to traditional silver fillings, which require more invasive modification.
• No Metal, Less Sensitivity: Composite is made from a blend of organic resin and inorganic fillers like glass or quartz. Unlike silver fillings, it doesn’t conduct heat or cold, resulting in less post-treatment sensitivity for patients.
• Strengthens Teeth: Bonded composite fillings reinforce and strengthen teeth, while silver fillings can weaken the tooth over time and increase the risk of fractures, especially when they begin to leak and allow decay to form underneath.
• Natural Appearance: Composite fillings are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural enamel, providing a virtually invisible restoration that enhances the aesthetics of your smile.
• Long-Term Comfort and Protection: The insulating properties of composite fillings help protect the tooth from temperature fluctuations, adding to long-term comfort and durability.