When you have a cavity, this could mean discomfort and even complications like an infected or abscessed tooth. To bring relief and preserve your tooth, you need a dental filling. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about providing a lifelike and durable treatment for tooth decay.
The Facts About Tooth Decay
Cavities form in the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth. Usually, the outer enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, will prevent this from happening. But should an injury or teeth grinding compromise the enamel, or poor oral hygiene this leads to weakened and eroded enamel, the dentin is exposed to bacteria. The cavity will grow with time, eventually leading to severe decay or even an infected tooth. This means worsening pain and the risk of tooth loss! When you experience common warning signs, such as sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a toothache that lasts for more than a day, you should let us know right away!
Placing a Filling
Our team will carefully examine the tooth with digital x-rays to identify the position and severity of your decay. We then numb the tooth and remove all decay. The tooth is then cleaned, and we prepare and place the filling material. Instead of metal, we opt for a material that is lifelike in appearance and safe for all ages. Composite resin looks natural and can be color matched to blend with the tooth structure. Once we place the material, we sculpt and mold it as the composite resin cures underneath a special light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a brighter appearance and a smoother surface. In one visit, we treat cavities and protect your teeth from worsening symptoms and complications.
Preventive Actions
You and your family can also take actions to prevent the onset of cavities and the need for dental fillings. For example, try to cut back on sugary and starchy food and drinks, as these particles feed harmful bacteria and create plaque buildup. Plaque then coats the teeth and weakens the enamel to cause cavities (as well as gingivitis and gum disease too). You should brush and floss daily to control the severity of plaque buildup until we can remove the buildup completely with a dental cleaning every six months. These actions help keep cavities and infection at bay, and also improve your periodontal health as well.
If you have any questions about avoiding cavities or treating tooth decay with a dental filling, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dental Impressions Offers Natural Looking Treatment
Our team wants to help address cavities to avoid the onset of infection and other complications. Call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA at (515) 207-6182 for more information or to schedule an examination and consultation to treat tooth decay.
