Composite Fillings at Scripps Center for Dental Care in La Jolla

At Scripps Center for Dental Care in San Diego, our restorative dentists provide only the most modern and aesthetically-pleasing treatments to our patients. This commitment is the reason why we only place composite (tooth-colored) fillings and have eliminated metal, amalgam fillings from our practice.

Not only are composite fillings much more natural-looking than traditional amalgam fillings, but they also are significantly healthier for the patient. Amalgam fillings are customarily composed of mercury, which is highly toxic. During chewing, small amounts of mercury may be released into the body, a process that some studies have shown increases mercury levels in the brain and other vital organs. Furthermore, amalgam fillings are more sensitive to temperature change than composite fillings are and can expand and contract with time. This phenomenon causes teeth to crack, creating the need for more extensive restorations.

Composite Fillings: Form Meets Function

Composite fillings are also more aesthetically pleasing than amalgam in that they are formulated to match the rest of the patients’ teeth closely. The resin material used in composite fillings actually bonds to the structure of the treated tooth, providing greater support and stronger restorations than are possible with amalgam. Furthermore, because composite fillings bond with the actual teeth, there is no room for decay to form, which can be a problem with mercury or metal fillings. Composite fillings also wear better and last longer than amalgams.

If you would like to have your amalgam fillings replaced with more up-to-date and safer composite resin, contact our La Jolla cosmetic dentistry office.

Office Tour

Scripps Center for Dental Care

9850 Genesee Avenue,
Suite 620
La Jolla, Ca 92037

Map and Directions

Ph: (858) 366-4818
Fax: (858) 535-8309