Fillings Pittsburg CA

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, resin or ceramic, create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth.

Thanks to the technology of CEREC these porcelain tooth colored restorations can now be placed in our office in one visit. 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 or crack teeth.

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

There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Smaller cavities can be restored with composite resin. Larger cavities are better restored with porcelain onlays or inlays which 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 porcelain wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with porcelain tooth colored restorations (inlays and onlays). This process now requires only one visit thanks to the technology of CEREC.

• The old filling is removed along with any decay which may be present.
• An image of the tooth is taken with a special camera.
• The restoration is designed in the computer.
• The restoration is milled from a block of porcelain.
• A conditioning gel is placed on the tooth to prepare it for the restoration.
• Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the porcelain to the tooth.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!