Stop Dental Decay With Tooth Fillings in Northern Kentucky
Left untreated, dental decay can cause infection and even result in losing your tooth. Fortunately, it’s easy to stop decay before it reaches that point, with tooth fillings in Northern Kentucky.
Doctor Theiss on Tooth Fillings
Read Transcript
Doctor Theiss on Tooth Fillings
If you have tooth decay, some holes in the teeth that we need to take care of, we can use fillings in the teeth, and we use all the white fillings. We don't use any of the silver fillings anymore. They look good, they feel good, they function really great, so it's a great service for the patient.
We've moved away from the silver fillings. We haven't done those for probably the past 20 years. They're much more aesthetic, they actually bond and adhere to tooth structures, so they function better, they look better, and they don't crack teeth like a silver filling might.
Our dental fillings are made of composite instead of metal. So they:
- Won’t Detract From Your Smile – Metal fillings start out silver and darken over time. So they can stand out in your smile, especially if they’re near the front of your mouth. We match composite fillings to your other teeth, so they look completely natural.
- Strengthen Your Tooth – Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings are bonded to your tooth, which adds strength. In contrast, metal fillings require us to remove more tooth structure.
- Contain No Mercury – According to the FDA, the amount of mercury in metal fillings doesn’t pose a health risk for most adults. Still, there are conflicting opinions about the element’s impact on long-term health.
The smaller cavities are, the easier they are to treat. That’s why our doctors looks for signs of decay during every dental exam. If you think your tooth needs a dental filling or other restoration, though, don’t wait until your next exam! Call us today at 859-781-3090.
Select the Right Dental Restoration for Your Cavity
Depending on the size of your cavity, you may require a restoration other than a filling. Our doctors will repair a larger cavity with:
- A Dental Crown – Since it completely covers your tooth, a crown is the right restoration for severe decay. It will protect your tooth from further damage.
- An Inlay or Onlay – These restorations are larger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Sometimes called a partial crown, they cover the entire top surface of your tooth and sometimes a slightly larger area.
You can prevent cavities from occurring in the first place with good oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing. You should also visit our office for a professional dental cleaning every six months. If you are cavity prone, we may suggest preventive treatments such as fluoride or dental sealants.
For tooth fillings in Northern Kentucky, call 859-781-3090.