Woman Smiling in Dental Office

Can Teeth Fillings Help You Prevent Tooth Loss?

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Fillings are one of the most routine procedures you can get at the dentist, so it’s often easy to discount their importance. If you think you can skip a filling or two, we’ll look at the potential consequences of failing to care for your teeth.

Tooth Decay and You

Tooth decay can happen to anyone at any time. Kids, teens, young adults, middle-aged adults, and senior citizens can all experience some degree of tooth decay (even if the proportions are wildly different). When a dentist in St. Louis, MO recommends a filling, it’s because they found a small hole in the tooth. This filling makes the tooth whole again, so it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Filling?

The answer depends on the person in question. For some people, the process of tooth decay is very slow. However, the longer the tooth goes unfilled, the worse the decay will get. At some point, the hole will become too large for a filling. In that case, you may need a root canal to kill the nerve and then protect the tooth with a crown. In the worst-case scenario, the dentist will need to remove the tooth entirely.

Fillings in St. Louis, MO

While tooth extractions are nearly as common as fillings, it helps avoid them if possible. If you’re looking to get a tooth filling in St. Louis, MO, the staff at Smile Now STL can help you get everything taken care of faster than you think. Contact us today for this routine procedure before you need a more involved one down the line!

What’s the Difference Between Amalgam and Composite Dental Fillings?

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Cavities can be painful. When you have a cavity, it’s important to get it treated with a filling as soon as possible. Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can help. At Smile Now STL, we help patients by installing dental fillings. We offer amalgam and composite dental fillings to give patients their choice. If you have a dental cavity and aren’t sure which type of filling is right for you, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

An amalgam filling is made of metal, including copper, silver, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are silver when they’re installed, so they’re often called “silver” fillings. Over time, this color may darken to black.

Amalgam fillings have been used in patient teeth for many decades. These fillings are strong, long-lasting, and durable.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are fillings that are made from a tooth-colored resin. Composite fillings fill the cavity hole and help restore the tooth to its original appearance. These fillings don’t last as long as amalgam fillings, but many patients prefer composite fillings because of their appearance.

If you have a cavity near the front of your mouth, a composite filling will hide the hole and restore your smile.

Which Type of Fillings Should I Get?

Your dentist can help you decide which type of filling is best. Composite fillings aren’t always covered by insurance, so your dentist may need to help you choose based on your priorities and budget.

Need A Cavity Filled? Talk To Your Dentist

If you need a cavity filling in St. Louis, MO, call the dental professionals at Smile Now STL. We can help you choose the right filling material for you.