{"id":61,"date":"2018-10-20T20:10:50","date_gmt":"2018-10-20T20:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allisonfowlerdds.com\/blog\/?p=61"},"modified":"2018-11-20T20:12:54","modified_gmt":"2018-11-20T20:12:54","slug":"dentist-preston-hollows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allisonfowlerdds.com\/blog\/2018\/10\/20\/dentist-preston-hollows\/","title":{"rendered":"A Dentist in Preston Hollow\u2019s Take on Silver Fillings"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"close-upPeople often ask their dentist whether or not silver fillings need to be replaced. This gray substance known as amalgam was the solution to cavities for many years, but today dentists use biocompatible tooth-colored resin to fill the hole left by tooth decay. So, are those old fillings bad? Not necessarily, says your dentist in Preston Hollow. Keep reading to find out why.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When Silver Fillings Need to Be Replaced<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s kind of a \u201cdon\u2019t rock the boat\u201d situation with a silver filling. If yours is healthy and not exhibiting any current or potential issues, many dentists will tell you that it\u2019s just fine to leave it the way it is. However, if the filling is broken, has ragged edges, or is leaking, it is a good idea to replace it with a new restoration. You may not be able to tell for yourself when a filling is having problems, so routine visits to your dentist are of the utmost importance — even when you don\u2019t think anything is necessarily \u201cwrong.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The Process for Filling Replacement<\/span><\/h2>\n

It usually only takes 1 visit to switch out a silver filling for a tooth-colored one. However, it may not be possible to replace a filling with another one. If significant damage has already occurred, there may not be enough healthy enamel left to place a filling. In these cases, a <\/span>dental crown<\/span><\/a> may be required. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth structure and are completed over the course of two visits to the dentist. <\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Composite Fillings<\/span><\/h2>\n

If a silver filling can be replaced with a new one, or if you have a new cavity, it makes the most sense to use a biocompatible, life-like tooth-colored filling. This restorative option offers a number of advantages compared to silver fillings, including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n