Fillings: Amalgam, the term for the old silver-colored fillings once used extensively in dental care, is a material that expands and can cause cracks or leaks in the treated tooth. In addition, the dentist had to drill out more tooth structure, even in very small cavities, in order to place the amalgam fillings. Because of the controversies of metal amalgam fillings and problems associated with their use, we use a tooth-colored resin-based composite with embedded porcelain particles, which is just as strong as the old metal fillings, with added benefits. Less tooth structure is lost because the dentist does not have to drill out a big part of the tooth to place the composite material, and it actually physically bonds to the tooth and does not expand. Rather it shrinks a tiny bit. In addition, this material comes in a variety of shades, so we match it to your teeth to make the fillings seamless. Composite fillings, like other dental restorations, will be durable for years.

Some people get concerned about the mercury in metal fillings. Research shows that there may be more available mercury in our cereal grains due to modern agricultural practices and groundwater contamination than in your old amalgam fillings – until we drill into them. But keep in mind that when drilling happens, we use suction in dentistry to whisk away all the particulates and prevent bodily harm. The real problem with the amalgam fillings, however, is that they expand when they set up, and they cause potentially damaging internal pressure on the teeth. The result is that the amalgams eventually pop out, or worse, they crack the tooth. Cracked teeth left untreated may require a root canal, extraction, or replacement with bridges or implants. Replacing the amalgam fillings with porcelain ones is a good idea, and the replacement material will look much more natural. Research has shown that replacing the fillings on a 7- to 15-year cycle is to be expected from wear and tear and new decay.