We understand that hearing that you have a cavity might be scary - but you are not alone. More than 90 percent of adults have had a cavity. While regular brushing and flossing, along with regular dental exams and cleanings can help reduce your risk of developing cavities, sometimes cavities can develop despite your best efforts to keep your teeth healthy.

Some reasons cavities can develop include:

• Oral hygiene issues
• Genetics
• Chronic illness
• Use of some medications
• Poor diet
• Behavioral habits
• Recreational drug use

However, no matter the cause of your cavity, we are here to help. Cavities, mild tooth decay, and other minor damage can often be repaired with dental fillings. Dr. DuBois offers composite (tooth-colored) fillings. You can rest assured that your restorations will match the rest of your smile. Composite fillings are a stronger and healthier choice than metal amalgam fillings. Our fillings are durable and resemble your natural enamel, which means they look and function like regular enamel. Additional benefits include: stain resistance, easier on opposing teeth than metal fillings, and also allows us to preserve more of your tooth's enamel. Another benefit of using composite fillings is that they are non-toxic. For many years, researchers, dentists, and patients alike have expressed concerns over the toxicity of mercury silver dental fillings.

Other benefits of tooth-colored fillings include:

• A better bond with your tooth enamel, which means they are more durable
• No need for anchors to attach fillings to your teeth, which leaves your teeth stronger
• Better aesthetics, leaving your fillings virtually undetectable