Amalgam or Composite Cavity Fillings – Which Is Better?

/0 Comments/in /by

If you have a dental cavity, you’ll need a dental filling to stop the spread of tooth decay and protect your tooth from further damage. Your dentist in West Salem, WI, can help. At Allen Dental, we provide cavity fillings to help restore the functionality and beauty of your teeth.

When you’re getting a cavity filling, you’ll need to choose between two types: amalgam and composite. Knowing the difference, including the strengths and weaknesses of each, can help you decide what’s best for you.

What’s An Amalgam Filling?

An amalgam filling is a metal filling. For many decades, dentists have used these metal fillings to fill cavities and protect teeth from further decay.

Many patients prefer amalgam fillings because they are long-lasting and durable. However, one disadvantage is their appearance: they are dark silver and can even appear black.

What’s a Composite Dental Filling?

Composite fillings are made of composite resin. These fillings look like the tooth itself, so they’re often preferred in teeth near the mouth’s front. Composite fillings are not as durable and long-lasting as amalgam fillings.

Which One Is Best?

Choosing amalgam or composite fillings for your teeth depends on many factors. You may prefer a composite filling because of its appearance or an amalgam filling because of its durability. Your insurance company may cover one type of filling, not the other, so you may need to choose based on the cost.

Your dentist can help you choose which cavity fillings in West Salem, WI, are best for you. At Allen Dental, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons, and when you’ve made a choice, we’ll install the filling that you prefer.

Botox and Fillers from Your Local Dentist

/0 Comments/in /by

Did you know that you can receive Botox and fillers in West Salem, WI, when you visit our dental practice? Dr. Jim Allen and Dr. Mark Mueller have completed extensive training in giving injections that help to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines, add plumpness to cheeks and lips, and several other services that fall under the umbrella of Botox and fillers. Now that you know how easy it is to improve your appearance, the only question left is which treatment is right for you.

What is Botox?

Short for botulinum toxin, Botox is a type of bacteria that would normally be harmful to humans. However, scientists have removed only the helpful portion of the bacteria that temporarily paralyzes muscles. Botox has been useful in the treatment of spasticity, muscle weakness, and other neurological conditions. The Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for aesthetic use more than 20 years ago.

The most common uses of Botox for cosmetic purposes include treatment of dynamic muscles around the mouth and eyes and reducing frown lines and crow’s feet. Since Botox blocks the muscles from receiving nerve impulses, they cannot contract and create wrinkles. Botox can also help relieve bruxism pain, which is an oral condition caused by chronic clenching of the jaw.

What are Fillers?

Also known as dermal fillers, this cosmetic treatment adds volume to the cheeks, lips, and other areas of the face. Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that stimulates the natural production of collagen. People naturally lose collagen as they age, and dermal fillers give the body the boost it needs to begin creating it again. The results of both Botox and fillers typically last several months before you need to repeat the procedure.

Interested in learning more about Botox and fillers in West Salem, WI? Contact Allen Dental today to request a consultation.

What is Solea Laser Cavity Removal?

/0 Comments/in , /by

If the thought of having a cavity filled makes you nervous, you don’t need to worry. New advancements in dental technology have made it possible for things like cavities to be taken care of much faster and with less traditional tools. Your dentist now uses Solea laser dentistry in West Salem, WI.

What is Solea Laser Cavity Removal?

When this procedure is used, your dentist will rely on a precision laser to remove the decay from your tooth, allowing them to immediately place a filling in the spot. Thus, rather than leaving your tooth untreated, letting the decay multiply, and finding yourself with a tooth that is infected and now needing to be extracted, Solea laser dentistry is more efficient and faster than traditional dentistry.

Is Solea Laser Dentistry Painful?

If you’ve always associated getting a cavity fixed with undergoing a painful procedure at your dentist’s office, it’s time to change your thinking. Actually, Solea laser cavity removal is so close to being virtually painless that most patients don’t even require an anesthetic for the procedure.

Can it Work on All Cavities?

Generally, Solea laser cavity removal works best on smaller cavities that have not yet reached your gum line. However, due to the laser allowing your dentist to make very precise cuts in your tooth to remove the decay, it may be able to be used in certain other situations. Your dentist in West Salem, WI can let yo know if you are a good candidate for Solea laser cavity removal.

How Many Visits Are Needed?

One of the biggest benefits of Solea laser dentistry is speed. Most—if not all—treatments that are done with this new tool can be completed in just one visit. Now you can get most of your dental needs taken care of in the span of time it takes to have an office lunch.

Your dentist in West Salem will be able to answer all your cavity questions related to Solea laser dentistry. Call to book your appointment today.