Fillings & Restorations

Mercury-Free Dentistry at Westlake Dental Care

At Westlake Dental Care, we are proud to be a mercury-free practice. While many patients still have silver (amalgam) fillings from years past, we now offer safer, more aesthetic alternatives that not only look natural but also help strengthen the tooth structure.

Why Replace Silver Fillings?

Silver fillings—made of a mercury-metal blend—were once a common standard.

However, over time they can:

Expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to cracks or fractures
Wear down at the edges, making the tooth vulnerable to new decay
Leak or corrode, potentially causing staining in surrounding teeth or gums
Contain up to 50% mercury, a material many patients now prefer to avoid

At Westlake Dental Care, we offer tooth-colored restorations that are stronger, safer, and far more visually appealing.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

Tooth-colored fillings (resin-based onlays and inlays) are custom-made to match the natural shade of your teeth. Benefits include:

Stronger bond to the natural tooth using modern adhesive techniques
Fluoride-releasing material to help protect against future decay
Better aesthetics — virtually invisible in your smile
No placement at the gumline, which reduces irritation and supports gum health
Durability and comfort that mimics the natural function of enamel

These restorations are ideal in cases where significant tooth structure has been lost, or where patients want to proactively replace old silver fillings.

The Replacement Process

Replacing your silver fillings with tooth-colored restorations typically takes two visits:

First Visit:

The old amalgam filling is removed, along with any surrounding decay.
Impressions are taken to create a precise mold of your tooth.
A temporary onlay or inlay is placed for protection.

At the Dental Lab:

A natural-looking resin or porcelain restoration is crafted from the mold to fit your bite and smile perfectly.

Second Visit:

The temporary is removed and your tooth is cleaned.
A conditioning gel is applied to prepare the surface.
The custom restoration is bonded in place with a high-intensity curing light.
The tooth is polished and adjusted to ensure a perfect fit.

Once complete, your tooth will look and feel natural—and be even stronger than before.

About Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Dental amalgam has been used for more than 150 years due to its:

Low cost
Durability
Resistance to bacterial growth

While it’s still considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association, many patients and dentists now choose composites for their conservative approach, natural appearance, and biocompatibility.

Modern composite materials have come a long way, and when properly placed, they now rival amalgam in longevity—especially for small- to mid-sized restorations.

We’re Here to Help You Make the Right Choice

If you have concerns about your existing silver fillings or are interested in upgrading to mercury-free, tooth-colored restorations, contact Westlake Dental Care today. Our team will walk you through your options and help you make the best decision for your long-term oral health.