Silver Filling Replacement
Swap old silver for natural-looking strength.
We replace failing silver fillings with bonded, tooth-colored materials, safely and only when it makes sense.
What is silver filling replacement?
Silver (amalgam) fillings can crack, leak or cause dark staining over time. Replacement removes the old filling and restores the tooth with composite, an inlay or an onlay. We follow safe-removal steps to limit exposure. Its main limitation: replacing healthy, intact amalgam isn't always needed, and removal takes some tooth structure.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Cracked or leaking amalgam
- Decay around old fillings
- Cracks in the tooth
- Cosmetic concerns
Needs extra care or planning
- Very large fillings near the nerve
- Healthy, intact fillings
When an exam is needed: An exam and X-ray show which fillings are failing.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Large fillings may need an onlay or crown instead of composite.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Natural look
- Bonded materials support the tooth
- Removes failing restorations
Disadvantages
- Removes some tooth structure
- Temporary sensitivity
- Healthy amalgam may not need replacement
The treatment process
- 1
Evaluate
We check each filling's condition.
- 2
Protect
Isolation and high-volume suction.
- 3
Remove
Old amalgam is removed carefully.
- 4
Restore
Composite, inlay or onlay is placed.
- 5
Polish
Bite adjusted and polished.
Timeline: Usually one visit per area; onlays need two.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Mild sensitivity for a few days.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Brush and floss normally
- Avoid very hard foods briefly
Call us right away if you notice
- Lasting pain
- High bite
Longevity and outcomes
Composite 5–10+ years; ceramic onlays often longer.
What affects your result
- Size
- Grinding
- Hygiene
Possible complications
- Sensitivity
- Need for root canal (rare)
Cost and payment options
Depends on material and size. You'll get a written, itemized quote before treatment begins, and we'll check your insurance benefits for you.
What affects the price
- Number of fillings
- Material
- Size
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Leave intact fillings
Monitor healthy amalgam.
Onlay or crown
For large fillings.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Are silver fillings dangerous?+
The ADA considers intact amalgam safe; we replace failing ones.
Should I replace all of them?+
Only those that are failing or that you want changed for looks.
Does it hurt?+
The area is numbed.
How long does it take?+
Usually one visit per area.
Will insurance pay?+
Often when the filling is failing.
What replaces them?+
Tooth-colored composite or ceramic.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →Related treatments
Not sure if you need silver filling replacement?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit