Tooth Fillings
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth Colored Restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings:
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.
Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
Resin composites are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
The resin wears like natural teeth and and are custom-matched to the color of your teeth.
The result is a beautiful smile!
Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration
You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite restorations. Your Appointment consists of:
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The old filling is removed along with any decay, if present.
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A strong adhesive is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the composite resin to the tooth.
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The tooth is then smoothed and polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!
Laser Fillings
We offer laser – assisted fillings and are the first in the Quad Cities to use the Waterlase iPlus 2.0. By using a laser, the cavity is removed and the tooth surface disinfected by the light energy. The laser allows the filling to bond to the disinfected surface stronger than by using a traditional drill. Micro-fracturing of the tooth created by a traditional drill is no longer an issue. Additionally, many cavities can be removed without anesthetic. How would that feel to leave the dentist with a new filling and not being numb? Call us today!