How Tooth Colored Fillings Restore Your Smile

Make a decayed tooth strong and functional again with a tooth-colored filling from Dr. Kathleen Geipe, your dentist in Salisbury, MD. Cavities are one of the most common chronic health conditions, but they can be repaired seamlessly with today's state of the art restorative materials.

How does tooth decay happen?

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that cavities, or dental caries, are literal holes in your tooth enamel. Although enamel is hard and calcified, it breaks down when oral bacteria secrete acids. These bacteria thrive in sticky plaque leftover from the carb-rich foods we eat. If you neglect brushing, flossing and professional cleanings with your Salisbury dentist, cavities happen.

How does your dentist restore a cavity?

If detected during an oral exam and digital X-rays, cavities require immediate attention so they don't progress into deeper tooth layers. It's important to detect decay in its earliest stages, limiting damage and the extent of restoration needed.

To repair your cavity, Dr. Geipe will numb the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, she'll remove damaged enamel. Finally, she'll place a filling made from natural-looking white materials.

Your filling may be made from:

  • Composite resin, a blend of acrylic and glass powders which bonds directly to the healthy tooth structure
  • Glass ionomer, an amazing material which combines translucent glass with sustained-release fluoride and restores cavities on tooth roots and non-chewing surfaces
  • Porcelain inlays and onlays, or partial crowns, which bond to or between tooth cusps to repair larger fillings

Modern fillings are realistic, durable and require less enamel removal than traditional metal fillings. Patients love the look and the longevity of these outstanding restorations.

Can I prevent tooth decay?

While some people seem more prone to tooth decay than others, many cavities can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits at home combined with a low-sugar diet. Also, be sure to see Dr. Geipe and her team for a semi-annual cleaning and check-up. Preventive care wards off decay and gum disease, and spots problems early.

Learn more

Why not contact Dr. Kathleen Geipe in her Salisbury office for your routine appointment? Your dentist desires to work with you to keep your teeth and gums healthy and vibrant for life. Call us at (410) 543-0599.

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The office is open 4 days a week Monday-Friday.

The day closed rotates each week

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed