Silver amalgam used to be the norm when it came to materials for restorations, such as fillings. However, silver fillings do not have much aesthetic appeal to the patient and can even cause damage to your tooth years down the road. The amalgam can break down the tooth, causing a fracture and the need for a crown to salvage the tooth.
After much research, some new tooth-colored materials have been developed that are stronger, longer lasting and more aesthetically pleasing to our patients. Composed of porcelain and composite resin, these new tooth-colored restorations bond directly to the tooth, strengthening it by restoring most of its original shape. The restorations can even be custom-colored to match your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible.
These new restorations require less removal of your healthy tooth structure to place than those with amalgams and especially with new cavities. Dramatically smaller holes are needed with a tooth-colored restoration. They are also healthier because no traces of mercury are used, unlike silver amalgams.
Ask us about our new tooth-colored materials and how we can restore your smile!
Mercury Filling Removal
Amalgam/metal fillings contain mercury. Reports show that some patients have had adverse reactions and have gotten sick after the removal of their metal fillings due to exposure to high mercury levels. Therefore, when removing these fillings, additional precautions must be taken.
We remove mercury fillings properly and safely. To keep the patient from mercury exposure during removal, we take the following precautions:
- very little grinding – grinding creates more mercury particles
- use of high volume evacuation suction – helps in capturing the vapor and particles
- keep the fillings cool with water – decreases the amount of mercury vapor and particle release
- use of a rubber dam – prevents mercury particles from being swallowed
- use of rubber gloves – protects skin from direct contact with particles
- use of a cover for the patient’s skin – prevents mercury particles from getting on the skin
When removal is performed properly, patients should have minimal exposure to the mercury and not experience any side effects. If you are considering having your mercury fillings removed, please contact us for more information.