Dental Fillings

Silver fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know they ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure because they react to heat. As the metal heats and cools, it expands and retracts to create new pockets for bacteria to enter.

We use composite filling materials at our office that don’t react to heat like traditional silver fillings and are just as strong. Composite fillings are actually bonded to the tooth structure, Instead of being held in place by mechanical retention like silver fillings. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and may split or crack the surrounding tooth structure.

Fortunately, silver fillings may safely be replaced with these tooth-colored restorations. Composite fillings are attractive, affordable, and they tend to strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay. In our practice, we often suggest these “white” fillings as they’re nearly indistinguishable from a natural tooth.