Tooth Fillings

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are aesthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

Disadvantages of Silver fillings:

Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.

Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.

Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth-Colored Restorations.

Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.

Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

The result is a beautiful smile!

Replacing Silver Fillings with a Tooth Colored Restoration

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment:

  1. The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
  2. An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
  3. A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.

At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment:

  1. The temporary onlay is removed.
  2. A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
  3. Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
  4. The tooth is then polished.

Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

Kay Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Fillings reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Kay is excellent. Her practice is state of the art...with an awesome staff. Stop by her new office on Martha Ave, Fremont, CA. Here's what you'll find ... -soothing music, -gourmet coffee bar, -massage chairs, -hi-tech equipment, .. and Dr, Kay's gentle and pleasant manner. .. For your next checkup, visit Dr. Kay. You'll be glad you did.

- Thomas D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I came there to fix my filling being came off for last week, food was stuck in a lot. Dr Yoo asked assistant to take the X-ray at the tooth to make sure there were not something happening under the root. Then, she showed me the X-rays of my tooth. She filled it for me, closed the gap so food could not stuck in. I was really pleased at tooth filling. I am sure come back next time for cleaning and some dental works.

- Crystal N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would recommend this facility and staff to anyone, they also have nice clean high tech equipment that most offices don't even carry!

- Nick C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I came in for a general cleaning and found out I had 4 fillings needed. I also had a chip in my front tooth for the last year that was long overdue. Dr. Yoo was able to perform my cleaning and 4 fillings in the same day! She knew I had a 45-minute commute from SF and was able to save me 2 trips back for my fillings. We scheduled an appointment for a week later to fix my front tooth. In the meantime, she gave me some teeth whitening strips so the shade would match the color of the chipped area of my front tooth. 4 fillings, a cleaning, and not looking like Jim Carrey from Dumb and Dumber anymore in less than a week? I found my new dentist. Thanks Dr. Yoo!

- Dan J

5 out of 5 stars on