Face 
Dentistry 
The short answer: An amalgam filling can often be replaced with a tooth-coloured restoration, but the right option depends on the size and condition of the tooth. Composite may be suitable for some teeth, while others may require an inlay, onlay, crown or another restorative approach.
When patients first enquire about amalgam removal, one of the most common requests is:
“Can you just replace it with a white filling?”
Sometimes we can.
But the most important word in that sentence is not “white”.
It is “replace”.
Before an existing restoration is removed, we need to understand how the tooth will be restored afterwards.
Imagine two teeth.
The first has a relatively modest amalgam restoration with plenty of healthy tooth structure around it.
The second has a very large restoration that occupies much of the tooth.
They may both look like “silver fillings”, but they present very different restorative challenges.
Once an amalgam restoration is removed, the remaining tooth needs to be strong enough to support whatever replaces it.
That is why Carol or Maggie consider:
Only then can we recommend an appropriate replacement.
Composite is the material many patients mean when they ask for a “white filling”.
It can be selected to blend with the surrounding tooth and is placed directly into the prepared tooth.
Composite may be appropriate where there is enough healthy tooth structure to support a direct restoration.
The exact decision depends on the individual tooth rather than simply the size of the amalgam visible from the outside.
Depending on the situation, advantages can include:
It is more useful to ask whether composite is appropriate for this tooth.
No restorative material should be presented as universally superior in every clinical situation.
Modern tooth-coloured materials are extremely useful, but the restoration still has to withstand the forces placed on that particular tooth.
An inlay is an indirect restoration made to fit within a prepared area of the tooth.
Rather than being shaped entirely within your mouth like a direct filling, the restoration is produced to fit the tooth before being bonded or cemented into position.
Whether an inlay is appropriate depends on the amount and position of the tooth requiring restoration.
An onlay is also an indirect restoration but can provide more coverage of the tooth than an inlay.
It may be considered where the tooth requires additional support but does not necessarily need to be completely covered by a crown.
The terminology can sound complicated, but you do not need to arrive knowing which restoration you need.
Our job is to explain the options after assessing the tooth.
A crown provides more extensive coverage of the tooth.
It may be considered when a tooth has lost substantial structure or requires greater support.
Importantly:
Removing an amalgam filling does not automatically mean you will need a crown.
Equally, if a tooth genuinely requires more support, placing another direct filling simply because it seems simpler may not be the best restorative decision.
Treatment planning considers the whole tooth.
Carol or Maggie may look at:
The more natural tooth structure that remains, the more restorative options may be available.
A very large restoration may leave less tooth available to support a new direct filling.
Structural concerns can affect the type of restoration recommended.
Back teeth can experience substantial biting forces.
How your teeth meet and the forces placed on a particular tooth can influence restorative planning.
A tooth that has undergone significant previous treatment may require different consideration from a relatively untouched tooth.
Where several clinically suitable options exist, your aesthetic preferences can form part of the decision.
Some adults decide to explore replacement because they dislike seeing silver-coloured fillings.
A tooth-coloured restoration can often look considerably less noticeable.
However, there is an important trade-off to understand.
If the amalgam filling is currently functioning well, replacing it means carrying out further treatment on a tooth that might otherwise have been monitored.
That does not mean cosmetic replacement is wrong.
It means the decision should be informed.
Before proceeding, ask:
We can usually make a well-informed treatment plan using clinical examination and, where appropriate, dental X-rays.
However, an old restoration can hide part of the underlying tooth.
Occasionally the full extent of decay, cracking or loss of tooth structure only becomes apparent once the restoration has been removed.
If that changes what is required, Carol or Maggie will explain the situation.
This possibility should be discussed before treatment rather than coming as a complete surprise.
Modern tooth-coloured materials can often create a much less noticeable restoration than amalgam.
However, the achievable appearance depends on:
The goal is to produce a restoration that is appropriate for the tooth while also considering appearance.
SMART relates primarily to the removal of the amalgam.
Once the old restoration has been removed, the focus changes to conventional restorative dentistry:
What does this tooth now need?
The SMART protocol does not dictate which replacement material should be used.
That decision is based on the tooth itself.
Reality: Composite is suitable for many restorations, but the correct replacement depends on the remaining tooth and clinical situation.
Reality: Not automatically. Some teeth can be restored directly, while others may require more coverage.
Reality: Tooth-coloured restorative materials are routinely used in modern dentistry. The material still needs to be appropriate for the clinical situation.
Reality: Assessment and X-rays help us plan, but occasionally the full condition of the underlying tooth becomes clear only once the existing restoration is removed.
Reality: SMART concerns the removal process. Replacement is a separate restorative decision.
You might want to ask:
A good treatment discussion should leave you understanding why a restoration has been recommended rather than simply knowing its name.
Yes, many amalgam restorations can be replaced with tooth-coloured materials. However, a direct white filling is not automatically suitable for every tooth.
Several modern restorative materials can provide a natural appearance. The best choice depends on the tooth and the type of restoration required.
That cannot be guaranteed. The result depends on the amount of tooth being restored, the material and the clinical situation.
Your preferences are important, but the restoration also needs to be appropriate for the tooth. Carol or Maggie will explain why one option may be recommended over another.
No. Filling size is one factor among several. The remaining tooth structure and overall condition of the tooth need to be assessed.
Potentially, but each tooth should first be assessed individually. It may also be sensible to stage treatment rather than treating everything at once.
If you are still deciding whether replacement is appropriate, read:
Should I have my amalgam fillings removed?
To understand the treatment process:
What happens during SMART amalgam removal?
If you have several restorations:
Can several amalgam fillings be removed at the same time?
Or return to our complete:
Amalgam removal using the SMART protocol
Our free guide brings the entire subject together:
Your guide to SMART amalgam removal
It includes a treatment-decision checklist and questions you can take to your consultation.
If you have an amalgam filling and want to understand what could replace it, the first step is assessing the tooth.
You do not need to know which restoration you want before your appointment.
Arrange an amalgam consultation
If you’re considering replacing an existing amalgam filling, your dentist can explain the available materials and help you understand which option is most appropriate for your tooth. You can also learn more about amalgam removal at Evolve Dentistry and how we approach the removal and replacement process at our Portishead practice.
For general NHS information about dental fillings and restorative treatments
Read our CQC report
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
🦷 Day one, first clinic!
Carol has sent us the first photos from her trip — and what a first day it’s been!
Working alongside five other dentists, the team saw an incredible 197 patients in just one day. ❤️
In Carol’s words:
“I’ve taken out more teeth today than I have in the past year!”
A very different day in dentistry from the ones Carol is used to back home at Evolve, and a reminder of just how much need there is for the care the team is providing.
We’re so proud of her — and we’ll be sharing more updates and photos from Carol’s trip as they come in. 🌍🦷
#EvolveDentistry #DentalOutreach #Dentistry #MakingADifference
Ever run your tongue over your teeth and wonder why they suddenly feel rough?
There are a few possible reasons, from plaque build-up to changes in the surface of a tooth.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the common causes and when it’s worth mentioning it to your dentist.
Noticing small changes in your mouth is useful. You don’t need to diagnose them yourself, but do tell us if something feels different.
#DentalHealth #OralHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
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