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Good home oral hygiene combined with quality dental care can help keep cavities at bay. If a tooth does develop decay, your dental specialist in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, will address it with a filling. Dental fillings are used mainly to address cavities, preserve your smile, and restore oral health. These FAQs from the office of Douglas Hoppe DDS explain more about cavities and how to address them.
Cavities are caused by plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth due to poor oral hygiene. They start small and continue to spread over time, destroying the enamel of your teeth. A dental filling will repair the damage and protect your teeth from future infection.
The two most common types of fillings are silver amalgam and composite resin fillings.
Amalgam fillings are a mix of copper, silver, tin, mercury, and other metals. They’re strong and effective in addressing decay, but their grayish color detracts from your tooth’s appearance.
Composite resin fillings are a blend of resin material and crushed glass. Their tooth-colored appearance makes them a favorite among people who want to retain their smile’s esthetics when addressing cavities.
The most obvious advantage is the filling’s tooth-colored appearance that blends in with your smile to make your procedure discreet. Composite fillings don’t require much drilling, as the filling bonds directly with your tooth enamel to seal off decay and future infection. This keeps more of your tooth structure intact. Resin fillings also help insulate your teeth to reduce sensitivity.
Cavities can be difficult to detect on your own, so it’s good to see your dentist periodically. Dr. Hoppe can detect decay immediately during a routine checkup so you can get appropriate care. Tooth pain, painful chewing, and sensitivity are common symptoms of decay and could be signs that you need a filling.
Dr. Hoppe will clean and numb your tooth to prevent pain during your procedure. We’ll then drill your tooth to remove decayed tooth enamel and cover the hole with a filling. Composite fillings are applied in layers and cured with a special light for hardening. We’ll mold and sculpt the material to your tooth’s shape for a natural appearance. Then, we’ll check your bite, make adjustments if needed, and polish your tooth to complete your procedure. The entire process may take 30–60 minutes.
With good oral hygiene, composite fillings can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. If the filling chips or cracks during that time, we can often fix it to save time and money on a totally new filling.
If you live in Eaton Rapids, MI, you can contact Dr. Douglas Hoppe at (517) 667-7066 to schedule an appointment for composite resin dental cavity care.
Douglas Hoppe, DDS
Dr. Douglas Hoppe is a highly skilled dentist with over 18 years of experience providing personalized dental care. A valedictorian from Swan Valley High School, he earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Michigan State University before completing his dental training at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hoppe is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Michigan Dental Association. Committed to ongoing education, he trained at the Pankey Institute and is actively involved in local dental study clubs and the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club. Dr. Hoppe is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring optimal oral health for his patients.
We always want to assure that our patients receive great care and have good experience when they come to see us.