Amalgam fillings were the go-to years ago for patients who had cavities. When a cavity develops, the decay needs to be removed quickly and efficiently in order to prevent it from going deeper into the tooth. Patients would have the decay removed and a silver amalgam filling placed. Amalgam fillings have many disadvantages over tooth-colored composite resin fillings. Removing them and replacing them is both quick and easy for patients, so considering having this done can benefit your overall oral health.
Brighter, Whiter Smile
Amalgam fillings are silver in color and incredibly obvious. When you smile, it’s easy to see the fillings on the back teeth where they’ve been placed. Over time, the silver fillings can even begin to darken and look almost black. Because of this, many patients choose to have the fillings removed and replaced in order to achieve a brighter and whiter smile. While you’ll still have fillings in place, the new composite fillings are virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Healthier, Stronger Teeth
Amalgam fillings are large and can crack and erode over time. Because of this, your teeth may become unnecessarily damaged, requiring a full crown in order to essentially cover the damaged tooth. By removing this large and corroded fillings, you’re improving your dental health and the integrity of each individual tooth. Not to mention that old amalgam fillings may still contain traces of mercury, so removing them can benefit you in other ways as well.
Removing the old fillings is an easy and quick process that can be done right in the dental chair. The procedure involves removing the old amalgam fillings and then prepping the tooth for a new composite resin filling. The filling is matched to your tooth’s color so that it blends in flawlessly and doesn’t stand out. For those living in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, improving the look of your smile can be as easy as one office trip away. It’s never too late to start loving your smile by removing those old fillings and replacing them with gorgeous composite resin material that’s durable and long-lasting.
