Composite or Metal Fillings

Although they have been used safely for years, amalgam fillings contain trace amounts of mercury. Patients who have metal allergies should also consider tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and powdered glass filler and do not contain mercury.

When receiving a traditional filling, your doctor will remove decay and surrounding tooth structure to accommodate the amalgam. However, our doctors are able to preserve more of your existing tooth structure when placing a composite filling. As there will be less alteration of your tooth, you should experience less sensitivity following a composite filling than you would with an amalgam filling.

If you fracture a traditional filling, it would require replacement, while a cracked composite filling would only necessitate repair. Composite fillings are also ready for use immediately after placement, while amalgam fillings require a few hours of hardening before you can chew solid food.

As prosthodontists, our team of dentists is committed to providing excellent, state-of-the-art restorations that feel natural and look beautiful. Prosthetics are our specialty, and we provide each step of the restoration process from simple procedures such as fillings to complex, full mouth rehabilitations. At our office, you can rest assured that you are receiving advanced care from dentists with decades of experience.

The only way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a tooth-colored filling is to schedule a consultation and review your unique case with one of our doctors.