Miami White Fillings

Many dentists still place what are called silver fillings. These fillings were developed in the 1840s. They are actually a mixture of silver, mercury, and smaller amounts of other metals, and the correct technical name would be amalgam fillings. They have served the dental profession well for many years. But there is newer technology that we far prefer, for many reasons.

Miami dentist Dr. Sam Sadati does not use amalgam as a filling material, and here is why.

Let's illustrate with the photograph of a typical cavity on the upper right. You'll notice that the dark decayed area inside the tooth undermines otherwise healthy enamel. To properly place an amalgam filling, a dentist has to drill away all that healthy enamel because it is undermined and weak. White composite filling material, however, has the wonderful property of bonding to the tooth. Thus, in placing the beautiful composite filling on the lower right, Dr. Sadati was able to preserve much of that undermined enamel, and only had to restore the decayed part of the tooth. Weakened enamel could be left in place, because it the filling bonds to it and strengthens it.

Other Advantages of White Fillings

• They contain no mercury. Many of our guests are uncomfortable with mercury-containing fillings being placed in their mouths.
• Teeth are left stronger and less likely to fracture.
• Since the filling bonds to the tooth, it seals out recurrent decay.
• There is less post-operative sensitivity.
• The results are much more attractive. When you laugh or are having fun, you won't show ugly dark metal fillings in the back of your mouth.

One potential problem with white fillings is that they are very technique sensitive. Amalgam filling material can be placed in a contaminated filling preparation with few adverse effects. However, the bonding of white fillings requires meticulous isolation and high-tech bonding techniques or the filling will be very sensitive and will likely fail. Some dentists are uncomfortable with these procedures.

Miami dentist Dr. Sadati, with his careful attention to detail and post-graduate training in these advanced techniques, is very comfortable placing white composite fillings.