Amalgam Fillings

Serving Provo, Orem, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lehi and surrounding areas in Utah County

Amalgam fillings are used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Amalgam fillings are relatively inexpensive, durable and time-tested.

Amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance, which usually blacken over time, giving the teeth a gray-like appearance. If you are interested in a more aesthetically appealing solution, you should consider white fillings or porcelain crowns, which blend in perfectly with the color of your natural teeth, making them undetectable.

Because dental amalgam contains some mercury, concern has been expressed over the safety of dental amalgam. However, amalgam has been used for more than 150 years in hundreds of millions of patients and has an indisputable safety record. The U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam, and Consumer Reports noted that "given their solid track record amalgam fillings are still your best bet."

When placing dental amalgam, the dentist first drills the tooth to remove the decay and then shapes the tooth cavity for placement of the amalgam filling. Next, the dentist mixes an amalgam putty. This softened amalgam putty is placed in the prepared cavity, where it hardens into a solid filling.

Using cosmetic dentistry techniques at Young Family Dental, we can help you determine which type of filling is best for you.

If you need to fill a cavity in the Provo, Orem, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, or surrounding areas in Utah County, please contact one of our three offices or submit your information in the form to the right to schedule your free consultation.