Cavities are areas of dental decay that bore tiny holes into the enamel and dentin of our teeth. Luckily, general dentistry solutions, like dental fillings, can stop cavities in their tracks and restore your smile back to its original strength and brilliance.
At Gallery Dental of Oakbrook, Dr. Peter Noto and his skilled team have decades of experience helping patients treat cavities and dental damage with high-quality restorations. If you think that you might need a dental filling, then contact our dental office in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, today at (630) 620-8300 or online here.
In this post, Dr. Noto and our team explore six facts about cavities and dental fillings. You might be surprised to learn just how common and effective modern dental restorations really are!
1. Over 90% of Adults Have Dental Decay
A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that roughly 91% of American adults between the ages of 20 and 64 exhibit signs of dental decay. Indeed, the report further suggests that instances of dental decay increase with age, as an estimated 97% of adults aged 35 to 64 have some level of decay.
2. Babies Can Get Cavities, Too
Milk teeth (also known as primary or baby teeth) are not immune to cavities. In fact, data suggest that over 40% of children aged two to 11 have cavities.
Many medical professionals attribute infant dental decay to drinking milk or formula before sleeping. The sugars in breastmilk and formula sit on children’s teeth while they sleep, which causes bacterial overgrowth and leads to cavities. Therefore, Dr. Noto recommends gently brushing children’s teeth after feedings and only giving children water before naps and bedtime.
3. Dentists Place Millions of Dental Fillings Every Year
Data gathered by the American Dental Association suggest that nearly 175 million dental fillings are placed every year. As a result, tooth fillings are among the most common dental treatments that patients can receive with our caring Oakbrook Terrace dentist.
4. Tooth Fillings Have Been Around for Millennia
Today, patients have many options to fill in cavities, pits, and grooves with high-quality dental materials, such as:
- Silver amalgam
- Gold
- Ceramic
- Glass ionomer
- Tooth-colored composite resin
In the past, however, people did not have such advanced materials at their disposal. Instead, people used readily-available materials, like beeswax or natural gum, to plug cavities in their teeth.
5. Tooth-colored Composite Resin Looks Unbelievably Natural
Dental professionals widely consider composite resin tooth fillings to be the gold standard of dental restorations because of how seamlessly they restore smiles. Indeed, teeth that are restored with composite fillings often appear as if they have not been altered at all, making them a fantastic cosmetic solution, too.
6. Fillings Can Last for a Decade or Longer
Depending on the type of material used, most dental fillings can last between five and 15 years. Patients can lengthen their restorations’ lifespans by practicing good oral hygiene, such as:
- Brushing after snacks, meals, or at least twice daily
- Flossing at least once a day
- Visiting our dental office in Oakbrook Terrace every six months for routine exams and cleanings
Ask Us About Tooth-saving Dental Fillings Today
Are you interested in exploring high-quality dental fillings with our skilled dentist in Oakbrook Terrace, IL? Simply call the team at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook at (630) 620-8300 or submit a message here to request your appointment now.