Before placing a tooth coloured filling
With very little enamel remaining and containing a large, cracked mercury amalgam, this molar no longer resembles a tooth at all. All amalgam fillings, including this one, release mercury vapour.
The cavity before filling
The filling was removed easily using an ultrasonic scaler, with rubber dam protection to prevent ingestion of mercury by the patient.
After placing a tooth coloured filling
With perfect margins and life-like contours, the tooth is now an asset rather than a liability.