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Tooth decay can be painful, but it’s also very detrimental to overall oral health. Decayed teeth become weakened, increasing the risk of losing them altogether. For individuals dealing with tooth decay or minor tooth damage, composite dental fillings offer a natural-looking and transformative solution. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about composite dental fillings.Â
Composite dental fillings are used to fill cavities and repair damaged teeth. These fillings are made from a blend of glass and resin particles. You may sometimes see them referred to as “white fillings” or “tooth-colored fillings” because they are designed to match the natural color and shape of your teeth.
Traditional metal fillings are usually made from amalgam. While they are durable, they are also highly visible. Many people still have old-style metal fillings today. Composite fillings match the color of your teeth, so no one has to know you’ve had a cavity or tooth decay. Composite fillings bond to your tooth, reinforcing it and preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Composite fillings are commonly used on front teeth because they match the natural color well. Your composite fillings are custom-made, so the filling will be indistinguishable from the neighboring teeth.Â
A composite filling can last five to ten years. Good oral hygiene and improved dietary habits will help them last longer. Also, be sure to visit the dentist at least every six months for checkups.Â
Some traditional metal fillings contain mercury, which is a concern because of potential health risks. With composite fillings, this risk is eliminated. The resin material used to make composite fillings has been tested for safety, and dental health organizations widely accept it.Â
First, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth that will be filled. Then, they will remove the portions of the teeth that have started to decay. The composite resin material will be applied in layers. Each resin layer is carefully shaped before being hardened by a special curing light. Once this process is complete, the dentist will polish your filling to make it smooth and natural-looking.Â
To make sure your composite fillings last a long time, follow these best practices:
When you need tooth decay treatment, Dr. Bauer and the team at Cambridge Family Dental in Cambridge, Wisconsin, are here to help. Our talented dental care team can address your concerns and answer your questions. Call (608) 423-6784 today to schedule your consultation.
Hello! I’m Dr. Angela Bauer, and I would like to welcome you to my dental practice in beautiful
Cambridge, Wisconsin. The most important part of my practice is taking care of my patients in a
compassionate and honorable way. I will treat you like I treat my own family and friends, with utmost
honesty and your best interests at heart at all times.
Because my practice is a locally-owned small business and not a corporation, we can focus on doing the
right thing for our patients. We only hire the best people and use the best materials for our patients
to ensure healthy, long-lasting, and beautiful treatment. My practice is designed with your comfort in
mind, from the inviting waiting room upon entry to the relaxing view with gorgeous landscaping and
wildlife from our treatment rooms. We even have blankets and headphones for your comfort.
I utilize only the most modern and proven techniques and materials in treatment. That way, my patients
get all the benefits of the best care possible. We have all the latest technologies, including digital
scanners for optimal results, digital x-rays for precision, and even intraoral cameras to take pictures
of teeth. That way, if you do need treatment, we can show you exactly why, so there is no uncertainty.
I have been in practice for over 20 years, and during that time I have strived to be the best dentist
possible for my patients. In 2017 I was honored with a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Just this year, the same Academy awarded me with a Mastership, which only two percent of practicing dentists currently hold. That is my practice! I am Dr. Angela Bauer, and I invite you to come
and see why we are different.