Silver Fillings and Mercury-Free Dentistry

Dr. Farren Billue

What are silver fillings, and why aren't dentists really doing them anymore?

Silver fillings were really the standard, I would say, 30 years ago. That was typically the material that was used. It had its place in time in dentistry, but at this point, we have really moved on to resin material, which is the white material that looks more like your teeth.

What are amalgam fillings?

Typically also called silver fillings, they are a combination of silver, tin, and copper. The most controversial part about them is mercury. Mercury is found in a minute amount within the silver restoration. It's mostly used during the mixing process, but once it's placed, there's no active mercury within that silver filling.

Dr. Farren Billue

Should I have my silver fillings removed?

A lot of patients ask, "Do I need to have my amalgam or silver fillings removed?" If you are not having any issues with your restoration or there's no cavity underneath it, there's no real point in removing it. If you don't like how it looks, sure, we can take it out.

How does a dentist remove silver fillings?

We typically place a rubber dam, use high vacuum suction, drill, and remove them. We try to take them out in as large pieces as possible to reduce the amount of residue within the patient's mouth.

When did dentists stop using mercury fillings in general dental practice?

Silver fillings really fell out of dentistry probably about 30 years ago. They really started to transition them out of practice. It became popular to use composite or tooth-colored fillings. Patients find them much more aesthetic.

There are always pros and cons when using a silver filling versus a composite filling. Silver fillings tend to last longer, but we also see more cracks within teeth with those silver fillings or discoloration. Composite fillings have great realistic coloration that matches your teeth, but we place those more with reliance on the bond to the tooth, so we tend to see those fail over time more quickly than the silver fillings.

Want to learn more? Call Smiles of West Point at (804) 494-4382 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.

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Personalized Dental Care Smiles of West Point

From routine check-ups to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we provide complete dental care tailored to your needs.

Dentist in West Point, VA

At Smiles of West Point, our focus goes beyond routine dental care. We provide comprehensive family and cosmetic dentistry designed to improve oral health, function, and overall quality of life. As a dentist in West Point, VA, we combine preventive care, restorative treatment, and cosmetic solutions to support patients at every stage. Each treatment plan is built around your needs, with a clear structure that prioritises long-term results. Whether you are maintaining your oral health or improving your smile, care is delivered in one location with consistency and attention to detail.

General Dentistry in West Point, VA

General dentistry is the foundation of our practice. We care for patients of all ages, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term maintenance.
Services include:
* Routine dental exams and cleanings
* Monitoring and treating cavities
* Managing tooth decay
* Bite and alignment assessments
Preventive care plays a key role in reducing the need for more complex procedures. During each visit, we also provide practical guidance on oral hygiene, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums between appointments. By identifying issues early, we can keep treatment straightforward and manageable over time.

Cosmetic Dentistry in West Point, VA

Cosmetic dentistry is a core part of our practice, allowing patients to improve the appearance of their smile while maintaining function and structure.
We offer:
* Professional teeth whitening to improve brightness
* Dental veneers to refine shape, spacing, and symmetry
* Invisalign clear aligners for teeth straightening
* Gummy smile treatment to balance gum levels
All cosmetic treatments are planned with precision to ensure results look natural and complement your overall appearance. We use modern techniques and technology to deliver consistent, predictable outcomes.

Restorative Dentistry in West Point, VA

Restorative dentistry is often closely linked with cosmetic treatment. When teeth are damaged or missing, restoring strength and structure is essential before improving appearance.
Our restorative services include:
* Dental crowns for protection and durability
* Dental implants for long-term tooth replacement
* Dentures for multiple missing teeth
* Full mouth rehabilitation for complex cases
* Silver fillings for cavity repair
Each treatment is designed to restore function while maintaining a natural look. Planning is based on durability, ensuring results perform reliably in everyday use.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dental Conditions

We provide structured diagnosis and treatment for a range of oral health conditions, including:
* Dental infections
* Periodontal (gum) disease
* Oral cancer
Early detection enables more effective, less invasive treatment. When ongoing management is required, we closely monitor progress to maintain stability and prevent recurrence.

Emergency Dentist in West Point, VA

Dental emergencies require immediate attention. We provide urgent care for:
* Toothaches and sudden pain
* Broken or chipped teeth
* Lost fillings or crowns
* Dental infections
As an emergency dentist in West Point, VA, the focus is on resolving discomfort quickly and stabilising the issue before moving forward with any necessary follow-up treatment.

Dental Implants in West Point, VA

Dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They restore both function and appearance while supporting overall oral health.
Implants can be used for:
* Single tooth replacement
* Multiple missing teeth
* Supporting dentures
This treatment helps maintain jawbone structure, improves chewing ability, and provides results that closely match natural teeth.

Invisalign and Teeth Straightening

Invisalign offers a clear, removable solution for improving alignment without traditional braces.
Benefits include:
* Discreet appearance
* Removable for eating and cleaning
* Gradual, controlled movement
Each treatment is digitally planned to ensure accuracy and predictable results, with progress monitored throughout.

Preventive Care and Patient Education

Preventive care is integrated into every stage of treatment. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits allow us to monitor changes, address concerns early, and maintain long-term oral health.
We focus on:
* Early detection of dental issues
* Education on oral hygiene practices
* Reducing the risk of gum disease and decay
This approach helps patients maintain consistent results and avoid unnecessary treatment.

Serving West Point and New Kent, VA

Smiles of West Point provides care for patients in West Point, VA and surrounding areas, including New Kent, VA. Many patients from New Kent visit for access to both family and cosmetic dentistry in one location. As demand continues to grow, we are expanding our reach to support those searching for a dentist in New Kent, VA, with consistent care and structured treatment planning.

A Practical Approach to Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Our approach combines preventive care with cosmetic improvement, allowing patients to manage both oral health and appearance in a single treatment plan.
This includes:
* Maintaining healthy teeth and gums
* Improving alignment, colour, and symmetry
* Planning treatment with long-term outcomes in mind
We focus on delivering care that is effective, clearly explained, and aligned with each patient’s goals.

Book Your Appointment
If you are looking for a family and cosmetic dentist in West Point, VA, or a dentist near New Kent, Smiles of West Point provides comprehensive care across general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment and take the next step in maintaining your oral health.