Tooth Fillings

A commong misconseption is that a silver amalgam filling will last forever.  Amalgam fillings are very durable, but eventually they will fail and need to be replaced.  We consider a filling to be failing when it no longer seals out bacteria and allows them to infect the inner layers of the tooth.


Replacing a failing amalgam filling with a new restoration can prevent more decay from developing and keep your mouth healthy.





What causes an amalgam filling to fail?

  • Time and wear
  • Moisture in the mouth
  • Temperature changes


Fillings have to endure an incredible amount of biting force.  Over time, they become worn and turn black, and their edges wear away.

Amalgam fillings swell when they absorb the natural moisture in your mouth.  This expansion can create a wedging effect in the tooth, which can fracture or break off tooth structure.  The expansion can also lift the surface of the filing slightly, creating a gap where the filling meets the tooth, and allowing bacteria into the tooth.

Temperature changes in the mouth can make the amalgam expand and contract, and this creates many small gaps or micro-fractures in the tooth or filling.

When we discover a failing amalgam filling, it's important to replace it with another restoration as soon as possible to protect your tooth.  There are several types of restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns.

Resin fillings are a great way to restore your back teeth.  Because they bond directy to teeth, they provide the added strength that damaged teeth need to withstand frequent biting pressure.  Also, we can match the color of the resin to your teeth to preserve your beautiful, natural-looking smile.


The Procedure

First thing we do is make sure that the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numb.  We use the handpiece to remove the decay and shape the tooth.  Then we apply a gel that chemically cleans the tooth surface to ensure a stronger bond with the resin filling.  Once we place the resin in the tooth, we use a harmless, high intensity light to harden the filling.

after the filing has set, we smooth and polish it.  We check the bite with a colored tape that shows us where your teeth are touching.  Finally, we make sure that you'll be able to floss around the filling to keep your teeth plaque-free and healthy.