Improving Tooth Appearance and Health
Many of our patients have elected to replace these fillings because they prefer white fillings or dental crowns and want to increase the longevity of a dental cap or filling. We believe every tooth is unique and we will evaluate each one to determine whether replacing an old silver filling is the good option for you.
What is amalgam?
Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight. Dental amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance.
Solutions for Replacing Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam (silver) fillings were very popular not long ago, but advances in dentistry show that composite (white) fillings are a better option. Composite fillings are healthier for your body, healthier for the tooth, and blend flawlessly with your natural teeth. A composite filling can sometimes replace an amalgam filling. Other times, your dentist may place a porcelain crown to add strength to the tooth and give a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Replacing Old Silver Fillings: One-Appointment Solution
We complete almost all composite fillings in just one appointment. The process includes thoroughly numbing your tooth, cleaning out any decay, possibly applying a medication for added protection, then placing and shaping the composite to look like an improved version of your original tooth that fits your current bite. The process of silver filling replacement is quick!
Porcelain Crowns: Two Trips for a New Tooth
We recommend porcelain dental crowns for teeth that are too damaged to be repaired with a filling. A dental crown covers your entire tooth to correct misshapen, crooked or damaged teeth that need more than a thin veneer. This porcelain crown will look exactly like your tooth prior to the damage and will blend flawlessly with the rest of your teeth.
We complete your dental crown in two steps. During the first appointment, we’ll take impressions to create a custom porcelain crown at an offsite dental laboratory. We make a temporary crown in-house during your appointment and apply that while we wait for your permanent crown to arrive in approximately two weeks. At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown will be placed and the doctor will make sure it fits with your current bite, and then it will be permanently cemented on.
Who should consider removal of amalgam fillings?
- Expecting moms.
- Young children.
- Patients who have recurrent decay and/or defective margins around their dental amalgam fillings.
- Patients who have 8 or more dental amalgam fillings.
- Patients who have exhibited an allergy or sensitivity to dental amalgam (lymphocyte proliferation test).
- Patients who have bruxism (grind their teeth).
- Patients who consume high quantities of acidic foods and carbonated beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Regarding Amalgam Fillings
Should I replace my silver fillings?
If your silver fillings are stable and have no problems or leakage, there is no reason to replace them. Patients whose silver fillings have started to corrode, crack or leak or who have obvious cracks or recurrent decay around their existing fillings should consider replacing them.
Can silver fillings be changed to white?
If your silver fillings need to be replaced, generally they can be replaced with a composite or white filling. In some cases, if the tooth has a large crack or a very large existing amalgam filling, the number one option may be to place a crown on it.
What type of filling material is right for my tooth?
Historically, amalgam or silver was the top material that was available. Today, we have superior materials that are healthier for our body, the environment as well as our teeth. White composite fillings only require the portion of the tooth that is decayed to be removed for successful placement. This is because the composite material is bonded to the tooth. Silver fillings must be placed by making an undercut shape in the tooth when preparing it for the filling. This requires additional tooth structure to be removed for proper retention. It is more conservative to use composite material for fillings.
Why do teeth become sensitive after dental work?
It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity after a filling is placed. This is a normal part of the healing process. Whenever a tooth is treated, the nerve inside the tooth experiences inflammation. Your discomfort is related to the inflamed nerve. Taking ibuprofen after treatment can help reduce inflammation and ease your symptoms. Eventually this sensitivity will subside if everything is healing normally.
What can I do to ease a persistent toothache after recent dental work?
Sensitivity to hot and cold and mild aching are very normal after having dental work. The body is reacting just as it does after any type of procedure by sending inflammatory cells to help speed up healing. Your toothache should subside eventually. Use Sensodyne toothpaste and try taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol to help reduce inflammation.
How long will my tooth hurt after a filling?
Each case is different. Depending on the treatment you received or how extensive it was, it can take days to weeks for your sensitivity to subside. If you are experiencing severe aching months after treatment, it is possible that the nerve of your tooth did not heal normally after your treatment and has chronic nerve inflammation, thus requiring a root canal. Any Nebraska Family Dentistry team member can help answer your questions as to whether or not your tooth is healing properly or if your should be seen to have your tooth re-evaluated.
Do I need a filling or a crown to replace my silver fillings?
Your dentist may recommend a filling if your existing silver filling is small to medium sized and you do not have extensive decay on the tooth. In some cases, patients have large failing amalgam fillings with large cracks through the tooth structure. Placing an even larger filling in a tooth with this situation will result in a fractured tooth. An excellent option is to crown a tooth that has a history of extensive fillings or large cracks.
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Nebraska Family Dentistry Has 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Central Lincoln)
402-467-1000
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Northeast Lincoln)
402-890-8000
South Lincoln Family Dentistry
(South Lincoln)
402-413-7700
Preserve Family Dentistry
(East Lincoln)
402-413-7000
Northstar Dental
(North Lincoln)
402-742-0000
Coddington Dental
(West Lincoln)
402-438-5555
SouthPointe Dental
(Southwest Lincoln)
402-423-3333