The 411 on Fillings

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No one wants to have a cavity. “Having Cavities” will never appear in a company’s mission statement, or in the Career Objectives section of a person’s resume. And if you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss before bed, and see your dentist for your regular cleanings and exams, your chances of getting a cavity decrease. However, they do still occur from time to time, and when that happens, you will need a filling. What kind of filling you receive may be determined by the location and size of the cavity, and in some cases, expense.

Amalgam fillings are composed of a mix of metals, which may include copper, tin, silver, zinc, and mercury. They last for a long time and can discolor with age. Some people may be uncomfortable with fillings that contain mercury, although the FDA has determined that the fillings are safe for people over six.  Composite fillings are a mixture of powdered glass and acrylic resin and can be colored to blend in with the rest of your tooth. However, they can be stained, and are not as strong as amalgam fillings. For this reason, they are usually reserved for smaller fillings for cavities that can be easily seen and for teeth that do not receive much pressure from biting and chewing. If your child has a cavity in one of their baby teeth, your dentist may suggest glass ionomer filling or one made of resin.

Some cavities are easy to see, while others may only be detected by your dentist. By visiting your dentist twice a year, he will have the chance to examine your teeth and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer. If it is time for your family’s checkup, you can make an appointment to see our dentist, Dr. Stacey Eby at Eby Family Dental in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin by calling 920-563-2928. We look forward to meeting you soon!