Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Old Silver Fillings
While dental amalgam fillings have been used for many decades to repair decayed teeth, patients often have concerns about the safety of the silver filling material due to its mercury content, metal sensitivities, and noticeable appearance. Dr. Yan and his team at Buckingham Family Dental have put together a guide outlining signs it’s time to get your silver restorations replaced with tooth-colored ones.
Should You Have Your Silver Fillings Replaced?
The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of amalgam fillings as a safe, reliable, and effective option for treating tooth decay. However, old silver fillings can wear down or deteriorate over time, leaving your teeth vulnerable to further decay or damage.
Signs your silver filling is damaged and may need replacement include the following:
- New Pain: If your tooth starts hurting when you bite down or chew, it may be due to a compromised or shifting silver filling.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may indicate damage to the structural margins, leaving the tooth’s inner structures exposed and vulnerable.
- New Decay: Noticeable discoloration of the tooth enamel under your silver filling is a warning sign of secondary decay, meaning your silver restoration needs replacement.
Even if there are no symptoms, a silver restoration may be damaged, leaving your smile at risk. That’s why it’s important to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Yan and his team will monitor your oral health, and if they uncover signs of damage, they will recommend its replacement.
What If a Silver Filling Has No Damage?
Even if an old silver filling is intact, you may still want to consider replacing it with a tooth-colored one. Over time, metal amalgams can expand and contract with temperature changes, creating microscopic cracks in the surrounding tooth structure. Because composite material bonds directly to your enamel, it helps support the remaining tooth structure while blending in with your natural smile.
For patients with metal sensitivities, biocompatible composite fillings may offer a more comfortable alternative to silver amalgam fillings. For others, opting for mercury-free restorations may align with their personal wellness goals and preferences, helping provide peace of mind. In many cases, patients opt to replace silver fillings with tooth-colored materials for cosmetic reasons, helping achieve beautiful, seamless smiles.
The Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings
At Buckingham Family Dental, we offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings closely matched to your natural teeth, helping deliver exceptionally lifelike results. While older composite materials weren’t strong enough for back teeth, today’s modern white fillings are stronger and more durable than ever, allowing the aesthetic material to repair any tooth with success.
In addition to their cosmetic benefits, composite fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure, offering a more conservative solution to restore your smile. Moreover, the resin bonds directly to your enamel, reinforcing the affected tooth and creating smooth margins that reduce the risk of microleakage and future decay. If a composite filling chips, we can usually repair it quickly without replacing the entire restoration.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Near Me in Garland, TX
If you would like to learn more about replacing an old silver filling, contact Buckingham Family Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Yan and his patient-centered team will help you determine whether it’s recommended to upgrade to a tooth-colored filling. Our experienced dentist always recommends the most conservative solutions to keep your smile healthy and strong. We invite you to call 469-649-1017 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!