Fillings

How do I fix my fillings that turn black?

Many people in South Florida, and specifically in the Coral Springs and Tamarac area have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. An amalgam fills the area of the tooth where the decay in the tooth has been removed. Unfortunately over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which can blacken the silver, and many times the tooth as well. This can be easily seen as soon as a patient opens their mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment.

One answer to this embarrassment is to replace these amalgams with a composite material. Composite fillings are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible". Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for Tamarac area patients who may be allergic to metal fillings.

Are the old silver fillings dangerous and are composite fillings better than silver?

For years dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. Silver-mercury isn't dangerous however when discolored significantly impacts the look of your smile. Today the more esthetic and more economical way to restore teeth in the Tamarac and Coral Springs area is to use tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. It bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. The light helps to harden the material and allows it to be shaped and polished. The tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and can last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings.