For years, dentists relied on mercury fillings to fill cavities. Mercury fillings were, at the time they were invented, an incredible breakthrough in dentistry. Mercury is easy to work with and is relatively inexpensive. However, mercury is also a metal that may lead to a variety of health issues, become tarnished over time, and even fall out of the cavity it was intended to protect. That's why several people have chosen to get porcelain filling upgrades to replace their old mercury fillings.

Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are preferable to mercury fillings for a number of reasons. Porcelain fillings:

• Are bonded to your teeth so they will not become loose or fall out
• Will not expand and contract with heat differences like metal fillings do
• Look and reflect light exactly like your natural teeth
• Are not harder than your tooth enamel and will therefore not damage adjacent teeth

Process for a Filling Upgrade

Using the CERC procedure, your old fillings can be removed and new porcelain fillings can be inserted within one office visit. During your visit Dr. Melnick will:

• Remove the old filling
• Photograph the prepared tooth
• Use software to create a filling perfectly matched to the shade of your adjacent teeth
• Take the new filling and bond it to your tooth using a resin compound

With one quick visit, your old, unsightly fillings can be replaced with high quality, beautiful, porcelain fillings.

If you live in or around Laurel, Maryland and are unsatisfied with your old metal fillings, please contact Laurel Lakes Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation.