Jan
Dental decay is one of the most common problems people face with teeth. An untreated cavity will continue growing until it destroys your entire tooth. Over time, it can affect adjacent teeth, putting them at risk. Thatโs why itโs important to treat cavities promptly with dental fillings. If you live in West Bend, Wisconsin, or surrounding areas, you can visit Albrecht Dentistry for dental fillings.
Poor oral care habits combined with high consumption of sugary foods and drinks can lead to a buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria in your teeth. Over time, the acids in plaque can eat away at the enamel of your teeth, causing small cavities. When left unchecked, the decay can expand to the inner layer or pulp of your tooth, infecting the nerves and roots. Severe decay can cause irreparable damage to a tooth, putting it at risk of extraction.
When caught early enough, cavities can be treated relatively easily with dental fillings. After cleaning out the infection, Dr. James Albrecht will fill your tooth to protect it from further damage. Dental fillings help repair decayed teeth to restore their full usefulness. The filling also seals your tooth to keep plaque and bacteria at bay to minimize the chance of future decay and infections. The sooner you have a cavity treated, the sooner you can restore the health and function of that tooth. In fact, dental fillings can help save decayed teeth from extraction.
Generally, there are two dental filling options for cavity treatment: silver amalgam or composite resin fillings. Both are effective in repairing decayed teeth and curtailing the spread of infection. There are, however, distinct differences between the two.
Silver amalgam fillings are composed of a combination of silver, copper, mercury, tin, and other metals. Theyโre often used on back teeth due to their resilient nature that can withstand the pressure of grinding and chewing. Amalgam fillings are cheaper than their composite resin counterparts, making them a cost-effective filling if youโre prone to getting cavities. If you have metal allergies or are concerned about the effects of mercury in your mouth, this filling may not be the best choice for you.
Today, many dentists prefer to use composite resin fillings for cavity treatment for various reasons:
Are you in need of cavity treatment? Contact Albrecht Dentistry in West Bend, Wisconsin, at (262) 357-6622 to see if composite fillings are a good choice for you.
Dr. James (Jim) Albrecht has been practicing dentistry for over 36 years. He began his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin, Washington County, later completing his undergraduate studies at UW-Milwaukee. In 1986, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Albrecht is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He is passionate about staying current with advances in general and cosmetic dentistry through continuing education.