Everything you need to know about silver fillings.

Silver fillings

What are they?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage. ‘Silver’ fillings are made from dental amalgam, a mixture of mercury with other metals, including silver, tin, and copper.

Amalgam is soft at first but quickly becomes hard once placed in the tooth. Dentists use amalgam because it is tough and safe. However, there are alternatives to amalgam, such as white fillings, which are more expensive.

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What will my dentist do?

  • Usually numb the tooth and surrounding area with an anaesthetic; some small fillings may not need an anaesthetic.
  • Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, using a small, high-speed drill.
  • Remove any weak parts of the tooth that might break later.
  • Shape the cavity so that the tooth will hold the filling in place.
  • Possibly put a cement lining in the bottom of the cavity before inserting the filling.
Silver fillings

What are the benefits?

  • A filling rebuilds the tooth so you can chew.
  • If decay is left unchecked, it can spread deep into the tooth, causing pain and infection. This could mean the tooth has to be root-filled or even taken out.
  • A filling can prevent further toothache or discomfort.
  • Silver fillings are very strong and perform well in back teeth, where there is heavy wear from chewing. They do, however, have the cosmetic drawback of not being tooth coloured. White, tooth coloured filling materials, which look better, require less drilling and can be repaired, are also available, but take longer to place and may wear less well than silver fillings.
  • Silver fillings are used when existing silver fillings need to be replaced and in situations where the use of a white, tooth coloured filling material is difficult.
Silver fillings

Reviews

Trusted by our patients

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“Anna has been my Hygienist since she started working at the Manor Dental Practice and has always achieved the highest standards in looking after my dental hygiene. Anna is a very talented, intelligent and happy…”

Mr Williams

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“What a wonderful team! They provide a comfortable environment, are personable and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”

Kate S

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“I have recently moved to the area and needed emergency dental treatment. On the recommendation of my new neighbours, I went to Manor Dental Practice. Gloria, the receptionist, was incredibly helpful, and I was seen…”

Judith M

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“Recently transferred across to this practice and have been super impressed with the team. I've had a check-up and hygienist this far, and the service has been the best I've experienced. Great advice and support…”

Ross C

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“Friendly, professional service. Full explanation of work was given, very gentle treatment and a great, friendly dental team. Highly recommended.”

Karen H

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“I would like to highly commend this practice. I have been to some pretty dreadful dentists over the years, and this practice is a refreshing change. Everyone there (without exception) is always (without exception) friendly…”

Sharon H

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“In Bath on a visit and needed to attend an emergency appointment for my family member. We were treated with kindness and professionalism by all members of staff from the call through to payment. Excellent…”

Allison A

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“Cracked half of my filling and decided to register and get treatment with Manor Dental. X-rays and a scan of my teeth were taken professionally. Decided to have a filling without injections and virtually pain-free.…”

Julie D

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“Had an emergency appointment for a broken front tooth. It was seen that morning, and the tooth was repaired. Faultless service and care. Highly recommend.”

Brett P

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“A very friendly and helpful dental practice that I would highly recommend! Have had regular check-ups and remedial works carried out that I have been extremely happy with - and no pain at all! Also,…”

Andy W

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“Anna has been my Hygienist since she started working at the Manor Dental Practice and has always achieved the highest…”

Mr Williams

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“What a wonderful team! They provide a comfortable environment, are personable and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”

Kate S

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“I have recently moved to the area and needed emergency dental treatment. On the recommendation of my new neighbours, I…”

Judith M

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“Recently transferred across to this practice and have been super impressed with the team. I've had a check-up and hygienist…”

Ross C

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“Friendly, professional service. Full explanation of work was given, very gentle treatment and a great, friendly dental team. Highly recommended.”

Karen H

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“I would like to highly commend this practice. I have been to some pretty dreadful dentists over the years, and…”

Sharon H

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“In Bath on a visit and needed to attend an emergency appointment for my family member. We were treated with…”

Allison A

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“Cracked half of my filling and decided to register and get treatment with Manor Dental. X-rays and a scan of…”

Julie D

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“Had an emergency appointment for a broken front tooth. It was seen that morning, and the tooth was repaired. Faultless…”

Brett P

google blue red yellow green plain icon
star orioles plain icon

“A very friendly and helpful dental practice that I would highly recommend! Have had regular check-ups and remedial works carried…”

Andy W

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