What To Expect From Cavity Treatment With A Filling

Why is it so important that you focus on keeping your smile completely cavity-free? Even a small cavity is enough to cause permanent damage to your tooth structure. What that means is that even when a problem with decay is recognized early, it can result in irreversible harm. If you find yourself with a cavity, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is able to help by providing a dental filling. A filling is a conservative solution for treating dental decay. This restoration only occupies the space where your cavity formed, leaving the surrounding enamel untouched. If the filling is in a visible space, we can suggest the use of a composite material that can match the look and color of your enamel. This ensures that we can treat the problem with a restoration that can go unnoticed by people when it is visible.

A Filling Can Support A Tooth Without Changing Its Appearance

While your goal should be to protect all of your teeth from decay, it can be particularly worrying to learn that you have a cavity in a location that is hard to hide. Will trouble with decay effectively mark the end of your smile as you know it? If you need treatment for a cavity in a conspicuous space, we can recommend treatment with material that closely matches the look of your healthy enamel. When it is placed, it can be difficult for others to see. For cavities that affect your back teeth, we may recommend an amalgam material that is stronger, as these teeth can absorb more pressure when you bite and chew.

We Can Identify A Cavity During Your Checkup

There are several actions you should take to limit your risk for cavities. One thing to do is consistently attend routine dental checkups. These visits make cavity prevention easier because they include a teeth cleaning that removes harmful tartar deposits, something you are unable to do yourself. When performing your evaluation, your dentist can check for any signs of decay that are already present and call for treatment. By recognizing a cavity that you are unaware of, we can make sure treatment is arranged and provided before there are complications.

What Can Happen If You Let A Cavity Go Untreated?

If you let a cavity go untreated for an extended period of time, the decay will spread and affect more of your enamel. When this occurs, it can take more than a filling to keep a tooth safe. In a situation like this, we can recommend the placement of a dental crown. A crown occupies more space and calls for more preparatory work. However, with that work performed, we are able to completely cap a tooth with a restoration that keeps it safe against infection and pressure from biting and chewing.

Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Restore Your Smile With A Dental Filling

At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are prepared to take care of your smile when you experience a problem with dental decay. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.