Tooth Fillings and Restorations

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure.  Tooth-Colored Restorations (ceramic onlays, crowns) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies

Disadvantages of Silver fillings

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.  The pictures below show an old amalgam filling and the decay that has been growing underneath for years.  The new composite filling bonds to the tooth and provides a much better restoration.
McGann Dental Services removing old Silver Mercury fillings with beautiful composite fillings.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Each is bonded to the tooth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost or with the idea of preserving as much tooth as possible.  The more tooth which remains intact the stronger the end result.

Since the porcelain used in tooth-colored restorations is very similar to enamel, they wear like natural teeth and do not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!  Biocompatability and lack of post -op sensitivity and long lasting restorations have satisfied patients for over 12 years in our practice.*

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration created on CEREC cad/cam system. (This process requires only one appointment.)

Your  Appointment:

  1. The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
  2. A picture of the tooth is transferred to the computer via a small camera (NO IMPRESSION and NO Temporary)
  3. The restoration is designed by the Dr. and the computer
  4. The milling machine shapes and sculptures the ceramic in under 15 minutes ( No waiting for a lab)
  5. The ceramic onlay/crown/filling is bonded into place
  6. Bite adjustment and polished–done!

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

* Clinical Efficacy of CEREC All- Ceramic Restorations studies available.