Cavities & fillings
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Fillings are used to treat a cavity by removing the decayed portion of the tooth, and then "filling" in the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from nail-biting or tooth grinding.
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We are a mercury-free practice
Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. Most of the time these fillings are functioning properly and are not yet in need of replacement. However when silver fillings do need to be replaced we can provide superior options. Silver fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure.
Porcelain inlays and tooth colored composite restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful, and unnoticeable, but also add strength to weakened teeth.
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 creates an environment where 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 fillings
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin 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.
Many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. Most of the time these fillings are functioning properly and are not yet in need of replacement. However when silver fillings do need to be replaced we can provide superior options. Silver fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure.
Porcelain inlays and tooth colored composite restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful, and unnoticeable, but also add strength to weakened teeth.
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 creates an environment where 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 fillings
There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin 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.