If you’ve got some paper handy, jot down a list of 10 people. It can be any 10 people.

When you are finished choose one name at random. Statistics say the other nine people on your list have had or will have a cavity during their lives. In reality, it’s more than 90 percent, so there’s a good chance that one person you picked at random probably will get a cavity at some point, too.

The easiest way to deal with a cavity is to get a tooth filling. The good news is that you can get a white filling at McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry in Charlotte, NC.

Your smile can look as natural as it ever has with our restorative treatment. Just call 704-766-8662 today to schedule an appointment if you ever notice decay forming on any of your teeth.

What Do Fillings Do?

Dental fillings have two primary purposes. First, they provide protection for a tooth that has already been affected by decay. The filling material — whether it’s amalgam, gold, or our composite resin — can reduce your risk of a recurring cavity.

Second, fillings restore the function of your tooth. By filling the cavity, you can bite and chew comfortably with that tooth again.

Why Should You Get a White Filling?

What separates our composite fillings from metal fillings are the cosmetic benefits.

Gold and amalgam (mercury combined with other metals) fillings are made of metal. These can be noticeable when you smile, which can leave you feeling self-conscious about your teeth.

With a composite filling, you can restore the function of your tooth without feeling uneasy about smiling. The resin can be shaded to match the color of your natural tooth. This way other people won’t know where your filling ends and your tooth begins.

Replacing Old Fillings

If you got a filling years ago, you may have noticed that its appearance has become darker. Many metals oxidize with time. This can cause them to look black, which may even look like you have a new cavity.

This also could be a clue that the filling is started to weaken. No one has developed a permanent filling yet, so over time fillings can fail in a variety of ways.

You can avoid the problems that come with a bad filling by getting regular dental cleanings and exams. When you do, our dental professionals will check the condition of your fillings (metal or resin). We’ll let you know when it’s time to replace your old one.

With proper care, each filling can last for several years, but you should be aware that there will likely come a day when it will need to be replaced.

Keep Smiling

Tooth decay happens. If and when it does, don’t let it steal your smile, too. At the first sign of a cavity, call 704-766-8662 or contact us online to make an appointment at our Charlotte, NC dental office.

When you do, our team at McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry will be ready to repair your teeth and restore your smile.