Amalgam-free · bonded · conservative
Repairs That Respect the Tooth
Modern bonded restorations let us remove less and preserve more. We use fully amalgam-free (mercury-free) fillings; crowns come in when a tooth genuinely needs full-coverage strength. Not before.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Sofia Monter, general dentist · Reviewed October 2026
At a Glance
- Materials: tooth-coloured and mercury-free.
- First choice: the smallest repair that works.
- Deep decay: selective removal to protect the nerve.
- Crowns: only when a tooth genuinely needs full-coverage strength.
- Honest trade-off: white back-tooth fillings may need replacing sooner than amalgam.
Our Approach to Restorations
- Smallest fix that works. Early decay may be remineralised or restored with a minimal bonded filling. Drilling is a last step, not a first.
- Tooth-coloured, mercury-free materials. Strong modern composites and ceramics, matched to your tooth and bonded for a conservative seal.
- Crowns when they are truly needed. Heavily broken-down or root-treated teeth get durable porcelain protection.
- Why did it break? Cracked fillings and worn teeth often trace back to night-time grinding. We look for the cause (see grinding and jaw pain care) so you are not repairing the same tooth twice.
Not Every Spot Needs a Drill
Early decay that has not broken through the enamel can often be stopped and hardened again with better cleaning, diet changes and remineralising products. We record these spots, photograph or X-ray them, and watch them at check-ups. Our guide to fluoride and fluoride-free options explains the remineralising choices.
Deep Decay: Less Removal, Healthier Nerves
When decay is deep, removing every trace of softened tooth can expose the nerve and lead to root canal treatment. A 2026 European clinical guideline, based on systematic reviews, supports selective or stepwise removal, which leaves a thin layer of affected tooth sealed under the filling, over complete removal to reduce the risk of exposing the nerve (Schwendicke et al., 2026).
That is the approach we take: remove the infected outer layers, seal the tooth well, and keep the nerve alive where we can. Where the nerve is already beyond saving, root canal treatment can still save the tooth.
Why We Are Amalgam-Free, and the Honest Trade-Off
Bonded tooth-coloured fillings need less healthy tooth removed than amalgam, which needs undercuts to stay in place, and they match your teeth. Mercury use is also being phased out internationally: the European Union ended most dental amalgam use from 1 January 2025, and the Minamata Convention parties agreed in 2025 to phase out dental amalgam worldwide by 2034.
The trade-off is real and worth knowing. A Cochrane review found composite fillings in back teeth failed about twice as often as amalgam and had more new decay at their edges, based on low-certainty evidence from older trials, mostly in children (Worthington et al., 2021). We manage that by keeping fillings small, placing them carefully under good isolation, and checking them at every visit.
If you are thinking about replacing old amalgam fillings that are intact, we will talk through the benefits and risks first. Replacing any filling removes some healthy tooth, so we only recommend it when there is a clear reason, such as decay, cracks or a failing filling.
When a Crown Is the Right Call
A crown covers the whole tooth to hold it together. It makes sense when a tooth is heavily broken down, cracked, or root-treated at the back of the mouth, where research has linked crowns with much better survival of root-treated teeth (Aquilino & Caplan, 2002).
Where only part of the tooth is weak, an onlay that covers just the weak cusps can protect it while keeping more healthy tooth. We show you both options when both are reasonable.
Good to know
Common Questions
Are white fillings as strong as silver ones?
Modern composites are strong and bond to the tooth, but research suggests back-tooth composites may need replacing sooner than amalgam. We keep them small, place them carefully and check them regularly.
Should I replace my old amalgam fillings?
Not automatically. Replacing a filling always removes some healthy tooth. We recommend it when there is a clear reason, such as decay, cracks or a failing filling, and we talk through your options first.
How long does a crown last?
Many crowns last for many years with good care. Grinding, decay at the edges and gum health are the most common reasons a crown needs replacing.
Do fillings hurt?
Fillings are done under local anaesthetic where needed. Some sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days afterwards is normal and settles.
A Chipped or Aching Tooth Won't Fix Itself
The research behind this page
- Worthington HV, et al. Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021.
- Schwendicke F, et al. Deep caries management: EFCD, ESE and ORCA S3-level clinical practice guideline. International Endodontic Journal, 2026.
- Aquilino SA, Caplan DJ. Relationship between crown placement and the survival of endodontically treated teeth. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2002.
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1849 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/852 on mercury, as regards dental amalgam. Official Journal of the European Union, 2024.
Inline Smiles Dental & Orthodontics. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This page is general information only, not a diagnosis or a personal treatment recommendation. Research findings describe groups, and individual results vary; suitability for any treatment is assessed individually.