First if you call us with an emergency and you are a patient of record we may ask you a series of questions:
Does it hurt when you bit down?
Is it sensitive to touch?
Is it sensitive to hot or cold?
Where is the pain?
How long have you been feeling this way?
After we determine the answers to questions like those Dr. Rich will determine the best plan of action. Please don’t hesitate if you are in pain to call our number – even if it isn’t business hours.

If you are in pain, you may need a filling. If you do we offer a variety of treatment options. If you are in pain, we may ask you to describe the situation on the phone. Then we would advise if you need over the counter, prescription or other treatment before we meet. Whatever the situation it is our goal to advise you on the best course of action.

Tooth colored fillings were first introduced to the American public in the mid 1960’s.

Since that time, tooth colored filling materials have undergone continual improvements in durability, aesthetics and material handling. They mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure and may also be used cosmetically to change the size, color and shape of teeth. This quality is particularly useful in closing gaps between teeth, repairing chipped teeth and making teeth appear to be straighter or even. Most of the time, Dr. Rich uses tooth colored fillings because he finds them superior in many aspects.

Closely match natural tooth color and appearance
Original tooth strength is nearly matched – up to 95%!
More of your original tooth remains
Set time – They completely harden in seconds instead of days.
Dr. Rich takes out only the diseased part of tooth – leaving the healthy part of the tooth
Doesn’t always require numbing
Can be used on all teeth instead of just molars like the mercury fillings

The answer to this question will be different for each person. We only recommend removing mercury amalgam fillings that are damaged or broken. Although there is no scientific evidence that replacing them will improve your health, many patients are eager to have the material removed from their mouths for health reasons anyway, or because they just don’t like the way it looks.