What You Should Know About Fillings
There’s a reason that silver amalgam has been used in fillings for so many years. It’s a remarkably strong and durable material, and silver fillings typically last for many, many years and even several decades. Tooth-colored fillings are matched to the natural tooth color making them more cosmetic. If you need a filling in the front part of your mouth, where it will be visible when you smile, you might want to consider a tooth-colored filling rather than silver.
The Tooth Filling Procedure
Getting a tooth filled is one of the most common dental procedures performed by dentists. The procedure hasn’t changed much over the years. Dr. Russell begins by numbing the affected tooth and surrounding gums, removing all existing tooth decay — or the old filling material if you’re having an old filling replaced. He then thoroughly cleans the surface of the tooth and fills it with either silver amalgam or a tooth-colored composite material.
Dear patients and friends,
I have come to a difficult decision to step away from my dental practice after 30 years in Austin and 41 total years of practicing dentistry. I have enjoyed getting to know and treat every one of you making this decision even more difficult. Retirement will open new opportunities for me and my wife Linda, and we wish every patient the best going forward.
Our website has a form for requesting copies of your treatment records, as well as radiographs which you can print, complete, and either mail or email back to me. I will mail or email those copies to you or to your choice of dental offices within 15 days of receipt of the completed request for a nominal fee of $25. I am required by the State Board of Dental Examiners to maintain patient records for 5 years after the last dental visit on record before disposing of them.
Merrill Russell, DDS
