Downtown Family Dentistry of Leesburg Blog

Resin Composite Fillings vs. Amalgams: Understanding Different Dental Fillings

January 9, 2015

476106489 (1) Thanks to advancements in dental technology, dental patients and their doctors have a variety of options when it comes to filling cavities. The two most commonly utilized materials are metal amalgams and resin composite. At Groy Family Dentistry in Leesburg, VA, Dr. David S. Groy offers a comprehensive selection of restorative dentistry services, including dental fillings.

Restoring the Health & Beauty of Your Smile

Dental fillings are used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. When a filling is placed, the damaged area is effectively sealed off against further bacterial invasion, thereby protecting your oral health and ensuring the integrity of the tooth. For about 150 years, dental amalgams have been used to create fillings following the removal of decayed tissue. This type of filling is comprised of an amalgamation of silver, copper, tin, mercury, and other trace metals. Though there has been some controversy regarding the safety of amalgam fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA) maintains that their use is completely harmless.

Resin composite fillings, also known simply as tooth-colored fillings, have become increasingly popular due to their realistic appearance and versatility. The material used to create this type of filling can be customized to match the shade of the patient’s tooth enamel, ensuring a seamlessly natural look. Though the first resin composite fillings weren’t durable enough to be used for teeth in the back of the mouth, today’s advanced technology makes it possible to use them on molars as well as the front teeth. The type of filling used to fill a cavity largely depends on the individual needs of the patient and the doctor’s discretion. Our team will happily discuss your dental filling options, developing a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

As your trusted Leesburg, VA general dentistry providers, the team at Groy Family Dentistry is your premier source for restorative dental solutions, including dental fillings. Contact us today to learn more about your restorative options or to schedule your next visit with our experienced doctors and caring staff. We genuinely look forward to providing you with exceptional service in a family-friendly atmosphere that’s as high-tech as it is warm and welcoming. Our practice is privileged to serve the families of Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, Hamilton, Middleburg, Lovettsville, and more.

Top Tips for Healthy, Happy Smiles this Holiday Season with Groy Family Dentistry

December 9, 2014

154311641 At Groy Family Dentistry, we believe that each and every one of our patients deserves exceptional service and quality care. This is why we place an immense amount of emphasis on patient education and general dentistry, helping families from Leesburg, VA and nearby communities to achieve and maintain excellent oral health. As 2014 comes to a close and families across America begin gearing up for the busy holiday season, we’d like to take this opportunity to share a few of our best tips for keeping your smile healthy and looking its best, not only in December, but well into the New Year as well.

Holiday Tips to Keep in Mind for Healthy Smiles All Year Round

The holidays bring an entire host of delectable treats to the table, including everything from cookies, crackers, and cakes to eggnog, hot chocolate, and apple cider. Before you begin to prepare your Christmas ham or your Yorkshire pudding this year, take a quick look at some of Groy Family Dentistry’s favorite dental health tips for the holidays.

It’s all about moderation. We would never tell you to abstain from your favorite holiday foods, but we do have a useful tip that can help you protect your smile even as you indulge. Many holiday parties feature a buffet-style table full of snacks, inviting guests to graze on goodies as they please throughout the day. It’s important to remember that the frequency with which you eat is just as important as the quality of what you eat. Try to stick to your regular three meals (rather than snacking all day) to avoid inciting a continuous barrage of bacterial damage to your enamel.
More cheese, please! If you tend to flock toward the cheese platter at every holiday gathering, we have good news for you. The calcium in dairy products, including cheese and yogurt, can help to strengthen your tooth enamel. In addition, the enzymes in cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, and Gouda have been proven to lower the pH of your mouth, thereby reducing your risk of developing cavities.
Remember: Acid is the enemy. Plenty of our favorite holiday foods are full of damaging acids, but this doesn’t mean we have to avoid them outright. Popular choices like cranberries, citrus fruits, wine, and cocktails contain acid that is capable of eroding tooth enamel. To mitigate enamel damage, try to sip water throughout your meal, and be sure to wait between 30 minutes and an hour before brushing your teeth. Brushing too soon after eating an acidic meal can actually lead to more harm than good; your tooth enamel is softer right after eating.

General Family Dentistry: Preventive Care for Lifelong Oral Health

Of all the ways you can keep your family’s smiles healthy this holiday season, the most important is a visit to our Leesburg, VA dental office. With a full menu of preventive dentistry services – each of which is tailored specifically to your unique needs – our doctors and experienced team offer everything you need to enjoy optimal oral health for life. Contact us today to schedule your visit at Groy Family Dentistry, and see why families from throughout Leesburg and the surrounding areas trust Dr. David R. Groy and Dr. David S. Groy with the health and beauty of their smiles. Our state-of-the-art office warmly welcomes patients from nearby communities in Ashburn, Purcellville, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and beyond.