Dental Fillings

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Dover: Dover Phone Number 302-678-2942 | Milton: Milton Phone Number 302-684-1100 | Ocean View: Ocean View Phone Number 302-616-4760

Delaware Dental Fillings | Restore Your Smile with Mercury-Free Fillings

When a cavity shows up, the last thing you want is a big metal patch on your tooth that makes you think twice before smiling. At Mercer Sydell Dental, your trusted Delaware dental practice, we offer mercury-free, tooth-colored fillings that blend in with your natural teeth. If you are visiting our Dover, Milton, or Ocean View office, our team treats decay quickly, and with your smile’s appearance always in mind.

What Are Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings?

Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite resin or porcelain restorations, are made to perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. Unlike traditional silver fillings, which contain mercury amalgam, our restorations are metal-free and bonded directly to the tooth. This creates a tight, strong seal that helps protect against further tooth decay while looking completely natural.

At Mercer Sydell Dental, we are a mercury-free Delaware dental practice, which means every filling we place uses biocompatible, tooth-colored materials that support both your oral health and your confidence.

Should I Replace Old Silver Fillings?

Do you still have older silver fillings from years past? Well, they have many drawbacks. Silver fillings (dental amalgam) are almost 50% mercury, which can release low-level vapors absorbed by the body, potentially causing neurological, kidney, or immune system issues. 

Some risks include:

• cracked teeth due to metal expansion
• increased mercury release during chewing/grinding,
• sensitivity in pregnant women or children
• allergic reactions

The good news is that silver fillings can safely be replaced with tooth-colored fillings that look and function beautifully.

Tooth-Colored Restorations vs. Silver Fillings at a Glance

What are the Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations?

Tooth-colored fillings have several important advantages compared to silver fillings. Because they are designed to match the natural tooth color, they are basically invisible. These restorations bond directly to the tooth structure, helping strengthen the tooth and allowing dentists to remove less healthy tooth material during treatment. In addition, tooth-colored fillings expand and contract just like natural teeth, which reduces stress on the tooth and lowers the risk of cracks or damage over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

How long do tooth-colored fillings last?

With proper care, tooth-colored fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, and sometimes longer depending on the size of the filling, oral hygiene, and chewing habits.

Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?

Yes. Dentists select a shade that closely matches your natural teeth, making the filling blend in so it is barely noticeable.

How should I care for tooth-colored fillings?

Care is the same as for natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

How long does a tooth-colored filling take?

Most composite fillings are completed in a single visit lasting approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Replacing a silver filling with a porcelain inlay or onlay may require two appointments.

Will the procedure be painful?

Not at all. We use local anesthesia to numb the area before we begin, so you should feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Mild sensitivity for a day or two after treatment is normal and resolves quickly on its own.

Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Don’t let a small cavity become a bigger problem. Catching decay early keeps treatment simple, and our friendly Delaware dental team is ready to take great care of you. Call our Dover office at 302-678-2942, our Milton office at 302-684-1100, or our Ocean View office at 302-616-4760 to

Schedule your visit.  We look forward to getting to know you, helping you improve your oral health and beautifying your smile.