Dental Amalgam replacment
Dental Amalgam Fillings Explained:
Dental amalgam is a filling material that has been used by dentists for over 150 years. A mixture of metals that typically includes silver, copper and tin, dental amalgam fillings (commonly referred to as “silver fillings”) also contain mercury, which has raised safety concerns among patients from time to time.
In response to those concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), American Dental Association (ADA) and other organizations have conducted numerous studies over several decades and have repeatedly found that the small amount of mercury released during placement and removal of amalgam fillings does not cause adverse health effects.
We can safely replace your Amalgam “silver” filings with a tooth colored restoration !
- Call us at DC Pearls Dental Boutique Phone Number 202-750-8718 or schedule an appointment with our office
- Complete our new patient paperwork - please include your complete dental insurance to avoid canceled or delayed appt
- Email us any dental X-ray that has been taken from your teeth in the past 12 months - email us at [email protected]
REPLACING SILVER FILLINGS WITH A TOOTH COLORED RESTORATION
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings which is typically done in one appointment.
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new filling material.
- Tooth colored filling is placed on the prepared area of the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the filling to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished.
In some cases, if your silver fillings are rather large, Dr. Ardekani may recommend replacing your silver fillings with tooth-colored onlays, which requires two appointments.
Your First Appointment:
- The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
- An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
- A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.
Your Second Appointment:
- The temporary onlay is removed.
- A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
- Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
- The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
When is it appropriate to use composite fillings?
Composite fillings are typically made of a resin and glass mixture, tinted to the color of your tooth, and commonly referred to as “white” or “tooth-colored” fillings. They serve an important purpose for teeth that are visible when smiling, providing an aesthetic benefit not afforded by silver fillings. It is also worth noting that composite materials continue to benefit from technological advancements, contributing to enhanced durability. The ADA supports composite materials in small or mid-size fillings on teeth that are exposed to moderate pressure from chewing, and acknowledges that they are a good choice for a more natural-looking filling.
If you still have concerns about replacing your amalgam fillings, please don’t hesitate to call our office! It is important to us that you fully understand all available options when it comes to your oral health.