Many patients want their amalgam fillings removed for health and aesthetic reasons. Some patients replace old silver fillings for cosmetic reasons. That is why in recent years an obvious tendency to composite fillings in the side area of the teeth can be observed. To protect the patient during amalgam removal we use a special exhaust system so that any mercury uptake is minimized.
Composite Fillings – “White” Fillings
Modern white fillings are a combination of a resin and nano-particles of glass. This combination gives white fillings their dental name; composite resins.
Composite fillings, commonly known as white fillings, have virtually replaced mercury amalgam fillings. They are more aesthetically pleasing, they can look just like natural teeth and there is no risk of mercury toxicity.
They can wear out slightly faster in larger cavities than amalgam fillings although the strength of modern composite fillings has significantly improved.
After a local anaesthetic has numbed the area the decayed portion of tooth is carefully removed. The tooth is then prepared and the composite filling is bonded in place with a high intensity light to harden the area.
Composite fillings or “white” fillings are best when the cavity / filling to be replaced is small to medium in size. When a larger filling is required a better option.