Category: White Fillings

3 Reasons to Replace Metal Fillings

Metal fillings are made of a blend of materials, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. These silver amalgam fillings were considered the gold standard in tooth decay treatment for many years. Dentists relied on them to fill cavities because they are durable and affordable. However, they also have some major downsides. If you’re thinking about getting your metal fillings removed and replaced, you can talk to a cosmetic dentist to find out if the procedure is right for you. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons why people choose to have mercury amalgam fillings removed and replaced.

Failure caused by teeth grinding

Metal fillings can last for a long time. However, they are subjected to frequent, severe stress from the forces of biting and chewing. Eventually, this can result in the failure of the filling and it will need to be replaced. People with bruxism may experience the early failure of metal fillings. Bruxism refers to teeth grinding, which is typically involuntary and often occurs while the patient is asleep and unaware of their actions. Bruxism results in considerable, sustained forces exerted against the teeth and fillings. This can damage the fillings and cause the teeth to chip or fracture.

Failure caused by tooth decay

The metal fillings themselves cannot get tooth decay. However, the acid byproducts from bacteria in the mouth will still assault the enamel on the natural tooth around the filling. The acids eat away at the enamel, causing defects in the structure of the tooth and the development of a cavity. If the defect in the tooth affects the stability of the filling, it will need to be removed and replaced.

Patient preference due to aesthetic concerns

Oral health concerns aren’t the only possible reasons to get metal fillings removed and replaced. Often, patients decide to undergo the procedure because they are tired of looking at a mouth full of metal in the mirror. The visible presence of metal fillings can be embarrassing, especially in a culture that is so fixated on selfies and posting pictures on social media. Even if you aren’t active on social media, you might want to get your fillings replaced simply to boost your self-confidence or help you feel more professional at work.

Your dentist can get rid of the “metal mouth” look by replacing your old fillings with composite resin filling material. This material is shaded to match your natural tooth color, so no one will be able to tell when your natural tooth ends and the filling begins.

Consult a cosmetic dentist in Huntington, LI

If you’re tired of seeing unsightly metal fillings when you look in the mirror, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the cosmetic dentists at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our convenient location in South Huntington, LI offers a full menu of cosmetic dentistry services, including metal filling removal and replacement with aesthetically pleasing composite resin fillings.

Our highly skilled dentists can customize your smile makeover to suit your needs and preferences. We also offer Invisalign teeth straightening, porcelain veneers, CEREC same-day crowns, teeth whitening, and more! Call today to schedule an appointment for tooth-colored fillings in Huntington.

Additional resources on metal fillings:

• American Dental Association, When a filling needs to be replaced, https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_52.pdf?la=en
• Mayo Clinic, Dental fillings: Should metal fillings be replaced with composite? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/expert-answers/dental-fillings/faq-20058381