October 26, 2026
Not always. Silver fillings, properly called amalgam fillings, do not have to come out simply because they are old. According to the Oral Health Foundation, existing amalgam fillings should only be replaced when clinically necessary, and removing a sound filling can weaken the tooth. Replacement is usually discussed when a filling is failing, the tooth around it is damaged, or decay has developed.
Many people also ask about white fillings for appearance or for personal reasons, and that is a fair question to bring to a dentist. Only an examination can show whether the fillings you have, and the teeth beneath and around them, are worth replacing now or can be left and watched.
Fillings repair a hole in a tooth caused by decay. According to the NHS, amalgam is one of the filling materials in use and is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. The NHS also says your dentist will offer the most appropriate type of filling for your clinical needs.
Amalgam has been used for a long time, and old fillings are still common in adult mouths. According to Bristol Dental School, amalgam fillings that are looked after can last up to 20 years. A white filling is different: our white fillings are made from composite resin, a tooth coloured material.
The reasons vary. Some people dislike the look of a metal filling when they smile or laugh. Some have read about the mercury in amalgam and want to know whether it matters.
The Oral Health Foundation states that dental amalgam is safe and effective for most patients and does not cause systemic disease in the general population. It describes the mercury vapour released as very small amounts, well below recognised safety thresholds, and says claims linking amalgam to conditions such as Alzheimer's, autism or Parkinson's are not supported by credible evidence.
There is no single rule, and every mouth is different. In general, a dentist looks at the filling, the tooth under it and the bite before suggesting a change. These are the situations that most often lead to a conversation about replacement.
According to Bristol Dental School, a replacement restoration may be needed when a tooth has been damaged or a previous filling no longer serves its purpose. If a filling has chipped, come loose or fallen out, it is better to be seen soon, because the exposed tooth can be vulnerable to damage.
The NHS says tooth decay may not cause any symptoms at first, and that you should have regular check ups even if you have no problems. As decay becomes worse, a cavity can cause toothache and sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food.
You can read more about a lost filling. Our dental examinations include digital X rays to check for decay and a review of existing work such as fillings and crowns.
If an amalgam filling is intact, comfortable and not causing problems, many dentists will suggest leaving it and checking it at each visit. The Oral Health Foundation warns that removing healthy fillings can weaken the tooth and may temporarily increase mercury exposure during the procedure, which is why it advises against replacing them without an allergy to the material or a clear clinical need.
It starts with an examination. The dentist looks at the filling, takes X rays where needed and explains the options in a written plan. We can remove existing silver fillings and replace them with white composite fillings if you want this.
The Oral Health Foundation lists composite resin, glass ionomer and ceramic restorations as the main alternatives to amalgam, and says each differs in strength, lifespan and cost. This table sets out the three routes you are most likely to discuss.
| Option | What it is | When it is usually considered |
|---|---|---|
| White (composite) filling | A tooth coloured resin filling placed directly in the tooth | Enough healthy tooth remains to hold the filling |
| Inlay or onlay | A restoration made outside the mouth and cemented on. An inlay sits within the tooth, and an onlay covers the biting surface | A filling would not give enough support or protection, but the tooth does not need a full crown |
| Crown | A cap that completely covers the tooth | Too much of the tooth is missing, or the tooth is broken or cracked |
Composite is the usual tooth coloured choice for replacing a silver filling when enough healthy tooth is left. White filling fees depend on size, and the dentist explains which applies after assessing the tooth. You can read more about our white filling fees.
According to Bristol Dental School, inlays and onlays are similar to fillings but are made outside the mouth. Onlays are usually larger and cover the biting surface.
If a root canal treated tooth or a very large filling needs protecting, your dentist may discuss root canal treatment or a crown, and our dental crowns service offers porcelain, E max and zirconia options.
Your dentist sets out the fee for your tooth after assessment, because it depends on how much of the tooth the filling has to rebuild. White filling fees depend on the size of the filling.
An examination comes first if you are not sure what you need. Inlays, onlays and crowns are priced separately, and your written plan sets out each cost. Treatment can be spread over 12 months at 0% finance on eligible treatment, subject to status, and you can read the details of our dental finance. We are a credit broker, not a lender.
See a dentist if a filling has cracked, chipped or fallen out, if a tooth is sore when you bite or sensitive to hot and cold, or if you have not had a check up for some time. The NHS says to see a dentist if you have not had a check up for 2 years, or 1 year if you are under 18.
Bring your questions, including any concern about mercury or appearance, to your next appointment. A good conversation covers what the dentist can see, what the X rays show, the realistic options for each tooth, and what leaving a filling in place would mean.
Not as a rule. The Oral Health Foundation says existing amalgam fillings should only be replaced when clinically necessary. A dentist may advise it if the filling is failing, the tooth is damaged or there is decay, and your dentist can tell you which applies after examining you.
The Oral Health Foundation states that dental amalgam is safe and effective for most patients and does not cause systemic disease in the general population. If you have a known allergy or a specific worry, tell your dentist so they can discuss the right option with you.
According to Bristol Dental School, amalgam fillings that are looked after can last up to 20 years. How long yours lasts depends on the tooth, the size of the filling, your bite and how well you clean your teeth, so regular check ups matter.
Silver fillings are a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper, according to the NHS. White fillings are made from tooth coloured composite resin. The Oral Health Foundation says the alternatives to amalgam each differ in strength, lifespan and cost, and that none matches amalgam in every situation.
It can. The Oral Health Foundation warns that removing healthy fillings can weaken the tooth. That is one reason dentists replace a filling only when there is a clear reason, and why the dentist explains what removal would involve before you decide.
Yes, you can raise it with your dentist. We can remove silver fillings and replace them with white composite fillings if you want this, after the dentist has looked at each tooth.
Sometimes. The NHS says crowns can be fitted where a tooth has broken, decayed or been damaged, and Bristol Dental School says a crown may be needed when too much tooth is missing for an inlay or onlay. Your dentist decides after examining the tooth and taking X rays.
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4,8
I could not be more satisfied with my experience at Maida Smiles - A special mention to Dr Gurteurez who is one of the most friendly and professional dentists I have ever met
Adam
I had my first visit and the team was very warm, caring and professional. The online booking platform makes it very easy to arrange your appointment. Doctor Pedro made me feel comfortable despite this being my first appointment since Covid. He is incredibly knowledgeable and offers you the best treatment for your specific condition. I would highly recommend them
Gian Paolo Ziletti
Professional. Friendly. Informative. Maida Smiles offers great dental services including cleanings, oral surgery and realignment. I feel very lucky to have them so close by. I had an appointment just this week that was quick, thorough and safe.
Emily Chmura
Being very nervous about using dentists after a terrible experience when I was younger, I came to Maida Smiles and loved the calm patient demeanour of Pedro. You can clearly see Pedro and the team take pride in what they do and are perfectionists. The whole experience was great and I will never go to another dentist again.
Reena Nathwani
Delighted with the outcome of my treatment by Pedro. Meticulous attention to detail explaining exactly how the procedure would be carried out from first consultation to completion backed up with supporting guidance notes. Clearly an expert in his field and someone who cares passionately about the outcomes for his patients. Highly recommended.
George Jones
I loved my first visit to Maida Smile Dental Clinic. The staff member at reception was very warm, welcoming and professional. My dentist, Priscilla, and her assistant were fantastic. I have quite sensitive teeth near my gums and I can find the probing and investigation quite uncomfortable during a consultation, but this wasn’t the case at all. I didn’t experience discomfort and felt in very safe hands. This also applied to the hygienist work. I didn’t even have to ask Priscilla to avoid using the ultra sound cleaner on the sensitive areas of my teeth. I’m looking forward to going back, and that’s not often you can say that about going to the dentist!
Simone Gibson
Since I first had the luck to be recommended and book an appointment with Dr. Pedro Gutierres over 8 years ago, I have never trusted my dental health nor my family’s to anyone else. It’s very hard to find a dentist who ticks all the boxes and even goes beyond any expectations you may have, from service, sympathy, professionalism, and expertise, etc., 5 stars are not enough to rate him. I was so happy when he opened his own clinic and surrounded himself with the best professionals you can find, I cannot recommend Maida Smiles Dental Clinic enough.
Sofia Gouveia
Maida Smiles Dental Clinic is excellent!! The staff is very friendly, professional and always aiming for the customers best experience! A special thank you to Dr. Pedro Gutierres who is truly amazing. I am absolutely satisfied with the results and highly recommend this great dental clinic!
Ana Cruz
Dr. Pedro Gutierres is the best Implantologist I have come across. His work is amazing and of very high quality! I would highly recommend him and Maida Smiles to all my friends and family. If you want the perfect smile this is the place to go.
Blossom
“Pedro was so patient and professional throughout my treatment for my implants.. I chose to have my treatment with a local anaesthetic rather than any sedation and have a very bad gag reflex when anything touches the back of my throat. His patience throughout the experience was wonderful, completely putting me at ease and he also gave me a technique to help me in the future. I have seen him for my follow up and fully intend to book an annual visit in 2020. which is no small thing as I live 60 miles away.I can thoroughly recommend him for any treatment.”
Denise Gilbert
I was very nervous to pull my ingrown wisdom tooth. Dr Pedro Guiterres made me feel really comfortable and the job was completed very professionally. It didn’t take long at all and I didn’t feel any pain. I would definitely recommend his service at this practice.
Jihan Daoud
From the day I made my first appointment. The team at Maida smile were amazing. They didn’t treat me like a customer but more like family. They have been great in every step in FINALLY GETTING MY DREAM SMILE from the receptionist to my dentist Pedro Laranjeira I can’t thank you enough and of course Pedro Laranjeira beautiful wife…… they are very professional and understand that I had to change my appointment now and then for work commitments and they were very understand. I will defo recommend them 100% not forgetting how chic the office is
Tracy Mensah
I was very nervous about having a dental implant but was immediately put at ease by Dr Pedro Gutierres. The procedure was explained in full and the care both during and after treatment has been of the highest standard. I received advice on how to look after my implant and have had no problems. I highly recommend.
Dawn Briggs
I had 7 implants installed by Dr Pedro Gutierres, including one which required a bone graft. In my 70 years I’ve had some bad experiences with dental treatment so it takes a lot for me to relax but, from my initial consultation, through to the end of the treatment, I had complete trust in Pedro’s expertise: preparations for the treatment and after-care were extremely thorough and fully explained, the treatment itself was surprisingly endurable (considering what was involved) and the implants have made a major difference to my life. If you are considering implants then I would whole-heartedly and sincerely recommend Pedro for this work.
Russ Hickman
I couldn’t recommend Maida Smiles enough: the care, attention to detail and the way Dentists and Nurses made sure I felt comfortable and safe throughout the treatments was incredible. Dr Pedro explained the treatments in detail to me and I have never felt under pressure to proceed… but I am very glad I did as I am happy and confident to smile again!
Mariana Pinheiro
Highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a friendly and trustworthy practice with an incredibly friendly and patient staff. Dr Pedro has been one of the best dentists I’ve ever had, he made me feel comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining every step of what he was doing and answering all of my questions. Amazing thorough the procedure, excellent communication, superb and professional treatment. I hope they keep it this way for a long time.
Joas Souza
Dr Pedro is a very good, confident and experienced professional. I’ve known him for some years now and always felt well cared for, either for small or bigger treatments.The facilities of the clinic are amazing and all the staff are very friendly. Highly recommended.”
Nelson Cafruni
I went to different clinics before, and nobody could really convince me until Maida Smiles did. The team here makes you comfortable , shows you different options and different budgets , and doesn't try to make you go only for one plan. I felt that the team was knowledgeable and wanted to help me , so that's why I decided to start
Diogo
I was referred to Dr. Pedro who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional, they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. I've never looked back since
Theresa
"I told him, 'I want beautiful teeth, beautiful but natural, I don't want fake looking teeth.' Now I smile, I talk... it just makes you more confident. If you wear a beautiful nice suit... you have beautiful teeth, then it's like a perfect."
Louca
"I went to my hygienist a little while ago, and she said to me they were the best implants that she'd ever seen and she would never have known that they weren't my real teeth."
Sharon
Dr. Pedro explained the process of Invisalign to me. It sounded easy, it was quite a quick process, and the end result is my teeth moved back, so I'm quite happy.
Soula
I feel like I've not just developed a professional relationship with my dentist and the staff... they become more like friends as well, because of the kind of compassion and sympathy that they give you during treatment.
Alvin
"After a friend recommended the clinic, I was referred to Dr. Pedro, who did such a wonderful job with my teeth. The staff was extremely professional; they put you at ease, and it just made the whole experience easier. They have more than met my expectations. I have to have a few more implants, and I'm not afraid anymore. Now, finally, I can live again."
Lesley
"After not having a great experience with previous dental treatments, I was desperate for someone that I trusted. I broke a tooth, and even before I saw Dr. Pedro, he reassured me that I was going to be fine. He made me feel very comfortable and at ease. It was an amazing experience, from not only Dr. Pedro but also all the staff in the clinic, and I would definitely recommend [them] ".
Mariana
I chose Maida Smiles because of the reviews and a friend who was really happy with the results. The results definitely met my expectations. My expressions are much more smooth than before and it really makes the difference
Carolina
I’m very grateful for the quick and efficient service I received when I needed an emergency appointment. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the dentist provided clear, helpful advice that made a real difference. The whole experience was reassuring. Highly recommend their professionalism and expertise!
Safiya Guled
I am always anxious when having to see the dentist and this was one of my first experiences with Maida Smiles. The dentist, Benedict Harrison was very reassuring and immediately put me at ease. He was quite lucid in his explanations of what had to be done, etcetera, and is making good progress with the ongoing treatment. Also, the rest of the staff were friendly and just plain nice.
John Jacobs
Wow wow Dr Claudia is the best dentist in London, my kid adores her and it is always a pleasant visit. Can’t recommend her enough
Bel Cohn
I am delighted with the results of my replacement veneers.
Dr Benedict Harrison was very good at talking me through the whole process and keeping me informed during the treatment if there were any issues - which there weren’t.
He has a charming demeanour which is an added advantage in a dentist, who I think we all agree are not our favourite people, overall a 5 star experience.
Karen Shepherd
I went to the Maida Smiles Clinic for the first time and had the most wonderful experience! I am dentist phobic but strangely left the place with a big smile on my face (literally!). The receptionist was super kind, Susan was impeccable and very helpful, and I had my appointment with the most amazing dentist Dr Mafalda Vilhena. Couldn’t recommend her enough. She explains the whole procedure and is very rigorous in her work. Congratulations to Dr Pedro Gutierres for creating such an excellent working environment and to all the team. I will be back and bringing my family along and we don’t even live in Maida Vale. Thank you for such an impeccable job on my teeth and for taking my fear of dentists away. Note: they don’t cover NHS, only private bookings or with insurance.
Maria Monteiro
Address: 207-209 Sutherland Ave, London W9 1RU. Get directions.
Paid parking is available using ParkBee on Lanark Road (the road right next to the practice). For public transport users, we are a two-minute walk from Maida Vale tube station.
