Historically, dentists relied on silver dental fillings to prevent cavities from progressing while rebuilding a tooth’s functionality. Although the metals used in these amalgam repairs are durable enough to withstand the pressures of biting and chewing, they also pose a few risks that could harm your oral or overall health.

Fortunately, many dentists today use biocompatible tooth-colored materials to treat tooth decay instead. Continue reading to learn more about each option and why you might want to consider replacing older restorations with more contemporary solutions!