While many dental offices have gone amalgam (silver fillings) free, we still place them as long as the patient decides they want them. Why would someone want to place a silver filling? For one it is cheaper for patients and it is also a faster way to restore a tooth than the other types of fillings (there are less steps). We also provide resin (white, tooth-colored fillings). The advantage for most people is cosmetics; however, there is also a chemical bond to the tooth which helps in providing more strength to the tooth than the silver fillings. The resin obviously looks better; however, it is more expensive and time consuming (there are more steps). This is a perfect example of our attempt to not make decisions for you and your family. Both filling types are available at Danville Family Dentistry.
Resin (white, tooth-colored) filling Amalgam (silver) filling
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and these can be discussed in more detail if fillings are needed. How do these pros and cons affect your decision? Once again, it is really patient dependent; what may be important to one person may not be as important to the next. Dr. Erickson will discuss these materials with you personally so that you can make a decision that is best for you and your oral health.
