Aparna Subramanian DDS
Creating beautiful smiles
Fillings
Silver Amalgam fillings:
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.
Silver fillings are know to be very durable if they have been done right, lasting 10 to 15 years, but they have many drawbacks. The edges of these fillings tend to wear down, becoming weak and ultimately breaking. 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 the tooth since unsupported enamel that is close to a silver filling shatters.
When we replace old amalgam fillings we prefer to go to a composite or bonded restoration to replace lost tooth structure and give strength to the weakened tooth.
Tooth Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Composite resins bond to tooth structure so they can be used very conservatively in small cavities. The older silver fillings required drilling out a larger portion of the tooth to create retention undercuts since the silver fillings did not bond to teeth.
Composite fillings can be made to exactly match your tooth color so they are practically invisible once they are in. They also wear just like your tooth so they do not crack your teeth over time.
The result is a beautiful and healthy smile!
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected
450 Sutter St, Suite 1839 Telephone : 415 576 9005
San Francisco, Ca 94108 Fax : 415 981 9079