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Is it Time to Get a New Dental Filling?

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At Mitzi Morris, DMD, we often get questions about metal fillings and when they might need replacing. Let’s explore the signs that indicate it’s time to consider replacing your metal fillings, and discuss the benefits of opting for composite resin, tooth-colored fillings.

Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Metal Fillings

Here are some top reasons why patients may need to address an old metal, or amalgam, filling:

  • Cracked Fillings: Metal fillings can crack due to wear and tear over the years, especially if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. Even small fractures can allow bacteria to enter and damage the tooth.
  • Tooth Pain: Persistent toothaches might signal that a filling has deteriorated, allowing decay to develop within the tooth. If untreated, this could require more intensive treatment.
  • Temperature Sensitivity: If a tooth with a filling becomes sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could indicate a crack in the filling exposing nerves inside the tooth.
  • Discoloration: Metal-free fillings are initially color-matched to your teeth, but over time they may turn yellow or gray, indicating they might need replacement.
  • Injury to Mouth: A sudden injury to the face can damage, loosen, or dislodge fillings. Post-injury, it’s advisable to consult with your dentist.
  • Aging Fillings: Fillings typically last about 10 to 15 years. If your fillings are old or you can’t remember when they were done, it might be time to check with your dentist.

Benefits of Composite Resin Fillings

At the office of Dr. Mitzi Morris, we proudly offer the most preferred choice in dental filling materials – composite resin, often called a “white filling.” Switching from metal to composite resin fillings offers several advantages:

  • Aesthetics: Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, unlike metal fillings which are more noticeable.
  • Less Invasive: Composite fillings require less removal of the tooth structure compared to metal fillings, preserving more of your natural tooth.
  • Better Adhesion: Composite resin adheres well to the tooth structure, providing additional support to the tooth.
  • Temperature Insulation: Unlike metal, composite materials do not conduct heat and cold as readily, reducing temperature sensitivity.
  • Health Considerations: Composite fillings are mercury-free, which is a consideration for patients concerned about the presence of mercury in metal amalgam fillings.

Find Out If You Can or Should Replace Your Old Fillings

Maintaining your dental health includes monitoring the condition of your fillings. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it may be time to consider replacing your metal fillings. At Mitzi Morris, DMD, we offer modern dental solutions like composite resin fillings that not only improve the function of your teeth but also enhance their appearance. Remember, your oral health is an integral part of your overall well-being, and keeping up with regular dental checkups is key to maintaining it.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Mitzi Morris, DMD, and explore the options available for maintaining and enhancing your dental health

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

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