Disadvantages of Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are a current service many dental practices still use today. Unfortunately, the silver filling material contains a minimum of 50 percent mercury, which can pose a significant health risk. Furthermore, amalgam filling durability can falter, leaving them worn down or causing them to leak. In many cases, cracked teeth result from the material expanding and contracting and could lead to fractured, broken, or discolored teeth. Other patients report that the fillings fall out or cause further tooth damage. Thankfully, our Quiet Valley Dental offers a more durable and safer option that seamlessly blends with your smile.

Tooth-colored Fillings Defined

The two most common tooth-colored filling solutions are composite resin and porcelain. While both can match the surrounding tooth color, shape, and size, the composite resin is more suitable for minor treatments, while porcelain is best for significant enamel damage. Our Sciota dentist, that offers tooth-colored fillings, explains that no matter which treatment is necessary, you can rest assured that the materials are biocompatible and contain no mercury. Even more impressive, the tooth-colored fillings will expand and contract like your natural tooth, reducing the risk of further damage.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

After scheduling your appointment for tooth-colored fillings in Sciota, you can rest assured the process will be simple. First, we will numb the area to reduce potential painful sensations and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Next, we remove tooth decay to unveil healthy tooth enamel on which the filling permanently bonds. Then, we condition the tooth before adding the material, shape it to resemble surrounding teeth, and cure it, so the bond holds. Finally, we make final bite adjustments and polish the filling, leaving you with an unnoticeable filling and a radiant, natural-looking smile. 

Replacing Amalgam Fillings

Our Sciota mercury-free dentists can replace your amalgam fillings with a tooth-colored option to restore and protect your smile. Unfortunately, silver fillings may be large and leave a small amount of tooth enamel, making it challenging to attach porcelain material permanently. Fortunately, we may suggest a porcelain onlay instead that can fully address the situation and recreate a solid bite surface.

A porcelain-only treatment requires two separate appointments to complete the process. The first appointment includes tooth preparations and impressions that go to the dental lab as an onlay guide. Then, we permanently attach it to your tooth and make adjustments during your second appointment. Finally, you can smile confidently, knowing you have an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile.

Fillings in Sciota, PA

Dental fillings are an excellent way to remove tooth decay and protect the remaining tooth enamel from further damage. However, not all filling material is the same, and some may harm your health. Fortunately, our Sciota family dentist offers mercury-free fillings that can blend in with your surrounding teeth, protect healthy tooth enamel, and restore your smile. Therefore, we encourage patients who have amalgam fillings or need a filling treatment to call Quiet Valley Dental at (570) 992-7040 to schedule an appointment and find the best treatment for their situation.