6100 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57106
A Safer, More Natural Way to Restore Teeth
Traditional silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, contain roughly 50 percent mercury and only about 35 percent silver. That mercury content can release small amounts of vapor when the filling is brushed, chewed on, or exposed to hot food and drink, which is why many patients today choose mercury-free alternatives instead. Beyond the health considerations, mercury fillings also pose an environmental concern. The EPA has determined that amalgam waste should not enter the sewer system, which is why offices handling these materials are required to filter mercury particles before they reach the waste line.
Designer Dentistry & Smiles offers mercury-free dental fillings for patients throughout Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, Brandon, Harrisburg, and Tea, using safe, BPA-free materials that restore decayed or damaged teeth without the drawbacks of traditional amalgam. Whether replacing an old silver filling or treating a new cavity, mercury-free options provide a durable, natural-looking result.
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Why Patients Are Choosing Mercury-Free Fillings
Mercury-free fillings offer a natural-looking and conservative approach to restoring teeth while supporting long-term function and appearance.
- Blends Naturally With Your Smile - Tooth-colored materials match the surrounding enamel, making fillings virtually undetectable.
- Bonds Directly to Tooth Structure - Composite fillings bond securely to the tooth, unlike amalgam, which simply fills the prepared space.
- Reduces Risk of Fracture - Mercury fillings expand and contract at a different rate than natural teeth, which can lead to cracks over time. Mercury-free materials expand and contract more similarly to enamel, reducing that risk.
- No Mercury Exposure - Eliminates any concern about mercury vapor release from chewing, brushing, or temperature changes.
- Environmentally Conscious - Avoids the need for special mercury waste handling and disposal.
- Preserves More Natural Tooth Structure - Composite bonding often requires removing less healthy enamel compared to amalgam preparation.
Who Can Benefit from Mercury-Free Fillings?
Mercury-free fillings are a good fit for nearly any patient in need of a cavity treated or an old filling replaced, including:
- Patients with a new cavity who want a natural-looking, long-lasting restoration
- Anyone with old, worn, or failing silver fillings that need replacement
- Patients concerned about mercury exposure or environmental impact
- Individuals who want their fillings to blend invisibly with their smile
- Patients with cavities near or below the gumline who may benefit from specific mercury-free materials suited to that placement
A dental exam can determine the extent of decay and which mercury-free material is best suited to the tooth's location and condition.
What to Expect During Your Filling Appointment
Getting a mercury-free filling is a straightforward process, usually completed in a single visit.
Numbing the Area
A local anesthetic is applied to keep the treatment comfortable.
Removing Decay
Any decayed or damaged tooth structure is carefully removed.
Preparing the Tooth
The area is cleaned and prepped to help the filling material bond properly.
Placing the Filling
Composite resin or glass ionomer is applied in layers and shaped to match the tooth's natural contours. Porcelain restorations may require a temporary filling while the permanent piece is fabricated.
Curing the Material
A special curing light hardens composite fillings almost instantly.
Final Adjustments
The bite is checked, and the filling is polished for a smooth, comfortable finish.
Your Options for Metal-Free Restorations
Not all mercury-free fillings are the same. Depending on the location of the cavity, the extent of decay, and personal preference, a few different materials may be recommended.
Composite Resin Fillings
The most common mercury-free option, composite resin is a BPA-free material placed directly into the tooth in a single visit. It bonds tightly to the remaining tooth structure, matches the surrounding tooth color, and holds up comparably to amalgam in durability, particularly with careful placement technique.Glass Ionomer Fillings
Glass ionomer is sometimes recommended for fillings at or below the gumline, or for patients who need a material that is gentler on the tooth's pulp. It releases fluoride over time, offering an added layer of cavity protection.Porcelain Restorations
For patients seeking the most durable and aesthetically refined metal-free option, porcelain is an excellent choice. Because porcelain restorations cannot be shaped directly in the mouth, they are custom-crafted using in-office CAD/CAM technology or a trusted dental lab, then bonded into place for a precise, natural-looking fit.While gold fillings remain a durable option in dentistry, they are not metal-free and tend to stand out visually, which is why most patients today lean toward one of the mercury-free alternatives above.
Replace Old Silver Fillings with a Safer Option
If you have amalgam fillings that are worn, cracked, or simply something you would rather not have in your mouth any longer, Designer Dentistry & Smiles in Sioux Falls, SD, can help you transition to a mercury-free alternative. Our team will evaluate your existing fillings, discuss which material makes the most sense for your smile, and walk you through a straightforward replacement process.
