Dental Fillings

A restoration or a “filling” may be recommended if a tooth has developed a cavity from dental decay. At Loeffler-Pitt Dental Associates, we use two types of filling materials at our office: amalgam (silver) or composite (tooth-colored). Depending on the size and location of the cavity, each material may have certain benefits. Drs. Loeffler, Pitt, and Stephens will help you decide which type of filling material is best to treat your dental decay.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

A tooth colored filling, or a composite filling, can be used to treat dental decay on both front and back teeth. There are many advantages to tooth-colored fillings. Thanks to new and improved bonding technologies, we can be more conservative with the amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed while still achieving a very strong, long lasting restoration. We also have the capability to match the composite filling to the shade of your natural tooth, assuring that your restoration is not only strong, but also esthetically pleasing. 

Advantages of Silver Fillings

Silver fillings, also known as an amalgam filling, have been used for more than 150 years to treat cavities caused by dental decay. Many people still have silver fillings in their mouth from years past. A silver filling is made up of a mixture of metal alloys including mercury, silver, copper and tin. Although these restorations are not particularly pleasing to the eye, they are proven to be safe, strong and long lasting. 

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

Many patients have the desire to change their existing silver fillings to tooth colored restorations. If the silver filling is in good condition and there is no active tooth decay, it may not be necessary or urgent to replace the silver filling. However, if you are interested in replacing your silver fillings with tooth colored restorations for a more natural looking smile, Drs. Loeffler, Pitt and Stephens will recommend the best treatment option for you.