Silver fillings, called amalgams, are used to fill the space where decay has been removed from a tooth. However, the filling is not airtight & over time the amalgam corrodes & leaks, blackening the silver & often the tooth as well.
The other alternative is composite fillings, which are made out of material similar to porcelain & actually bond to the tooth, creating a strong, tight seal. Patients tend feel less self-conscious about composite fillings because they are stain resistant & matched to the color of their natural teeth & therefore hardly noticeable. Also they are often less sensitive than their silver counterparts. Patients with smaller cavities as well as those allergic to metal are ideal candidates for composite fillings.
Please call our office for more info or with any questions concerning the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with more natural, tooth-colored composite fillings.