Make a list of any 10 people — relatives, friends, celebrities, coworkers, or a mix of all of them.

Now, pick one person on that list. That’s the lucky one (maybe).

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 90 percent of people will develop at least one cavity. That’s a lot of tooth decay.

That’s a whole lot tooth fillings, too.

Today, we want to discuss the reasons people get fillings as well as why we offer tooth-colored fillings for our patients in Cincinnati, OH.

If you or a member of your family could use a filling, call 513-802-9440 to make an appointment today at Bell Dental Group.

The Function

Dental fillings have two primary functions. First, they restore your ability to bite and chew with decayed teeth. Second, they protect those teeth against more decay.

This is why metal fillings made of gold, silver, or amalgam (a blend of mercury and other metals) have been used for as long as many patients can remember.

Without a doubt, metal fillings do both of those jobs. So do our tooth-colored fillings.

Even so, no fillings last forever. Over time, they become worn down. They can chip or crack. They may start to separate from your teeth. And if they aren’t replaced soon enough, they can fall out.

If any of these things happen, it can leave your tooth vulnerable to the same kinds of harmful bacteria that caused the cavity to form in the first place.

We would prefer to help you avoid that, which is another reason regular dental cleanings and exams are important. Not only can we help you prevent cavities, we can keep an eye on any fillings you already have so you’ll know when to get them replaced.

The Appearance

As effective as metal fillings are, they also call attention to the fact that you once had a cavity or cavities in your mouth. Depending on the location of those fillings, it could make you feel self-conscious about your smile.

With our composite white fillings at Bell Dental Group, you don’t have to worry about that.

The material used to make these fillings can be shaded to match the color of your natural teeth. After it has cured (hardened) and been polished, it will look like a part of that tooth instead of like a piece of metal filling a hole.

This way, no one will know that you had a cavity (unless you tell them). You also won’t have to worry about a metallic filling becoming a distraction when you are on a date or talking to a possible new client at work.

The Next Generation of Fillings

We hope you never have a cavity, but statistics say that you probably will get one if you haven’t had one yet. When you do, remember to call 513-802-9440 or contact us online.

Whether you need to fill a new cavity or replace an old worn-out filling, our Cincinnati dentists are ready to restore your smile!