In many cases, yes. Modern tooth-colored composite fillings are designed to be strong and durable, especially for small to medium restorations. The best choice depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and whether you clench or grind. If a filling is very large or the tooth is cracked, a crown may be the more durable option, and we’ll tell you that directly.

Not automatically. If an older silver filling is stable, sealed, and the tooth is healthy, we usually don’t recommend replacing it just because it’s silver. But if you have cracks, leakage, recurrent decay, sensitivity, or you want a more natural appearance, replacement may make sense. We’ll evaluate what you have and recommend changes only when there’s a real benefit, not because it’s trendy.