When adhered to strictly, an excellent hygiene routine and schedule of preventive dental care (such as checkups and cleanings) can greatly increase your chances of preventing issues like cavities. However, not everyone can adhere to that routine strictly every single day, and sometimes, one small slipup can be all a cavity needs to develop. At our Ankeny, IA, dental office, we can help patients address their cavities and restore their teeth comfortably and discreetly thanks to modern tooth-colored fillings. With a custom filling, you can treat your cavity and restore your healthy smile with more cosmetically pleasing results.
You may need one at some point
The thing about cavities is that most people will experience one at least once in their lives. They’re caused by the oral bacteria that make up plaque and tartar, which means virtually everyone can be susceptible to them. In many cases, they can occur even when you believe that your hygiene and preventive care routines are excellent. That’s because plaque can remain in spots on your teeth that you don’t notice, calcifying into tartar and becoming impervious to your toothbrush and floss. The bacteria in tartar can systematically erode your tooth enamel and infect your tooth structure before you visit your dentist to have it removed during a cleaning.
Your filling can blend in with your tooth
Today’s tooth fillings are designed to not only fill a cavity, but also restore your tooth’s healthy, natural function and appearance. For example, most fillings are made from tooth-colored composite resin, which is a mixture of acrylic and quartz-like particles. The resin can be customized to match any tooth’s healthy color and shade, and it can bond securely to the tooth structure within your cavity. Once in place, the filling will restore your tooth’s strength, protect it from further harmful oral bacteria, and blend in with the tooth to remain discreet and retain your tooth’s healthy appearance.
The sooner you get it, the better
The other thing about cavities is that they will continue to grow until you treat them. The tooth decay that causes your cavity to grow is an infection that erodes your tooth’s structure. When it becomes severe enough, the infection can reach the sensitive nerves and tissues in the tooth’s pulp (center chamber) and root canal. More severe tooth decay could require root canal treatment to address, though you can reduce your risks of needing it by receiving a tooth filling as soon as possible.
Learn more about today’s tooth fillings
You might not always successfully prevent cavities, but if one develops, a tooth-colored filling can help you treat it without anyone noticing it. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA immediately at (515) 965-0230. We also proudly serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
