Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that patients face. Even with preventive care like brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly, these can sometimes form. At Dental Impressions of Ankeny, IA, we are here to help you treat cavities and prevent any more from forming in the future.
Read more: Dental Fillings Restore Your SmileWhat Is A Cavity?
A cavity is formed through the buildup of bad bacteria in your mouth which leads to tooth decay. If you have a cavity, you may be able to feel a hole in your tooth. You may also notice sensitivity to eating or drinking certain foods.
Brushing and flossing in the morning and at night can reduce your risk of cavities, but some people are unfortunately more prone to caries than others. Children and adolescents, people with weaker enamel, and those who consume higher amounts of sugar are more likely to have caries.
During a regular dental appointment, your provider will be able to see early signs of a cavity forming in your mouth. If one is detected early enough, it can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and fluoride treatment. If a cavity is not caught early on and continues to form, we may also give you the option of filling the cavity. A dental filling is made of composite material that will match the rest of your smile. This is used to strengthen your teeth and restore your smile.
Decay that is allowed to continue without treatment can lead to severe problems that will require invasive procedures, such as a root canal. This is when the decay reaches the inner layer of a tooth known as the pulp. Once decay reaches this deeply into the tooth, it could cause severe pain or even an infection. It is best to not put off treating a cavity if you have been told one has formed.
How Does A Filling Work?
During this treatment, the area will be numbed. Then, the dentist will remove the decaying parts of the tooth. The filling will be added to the area and sealed. The whole tooth will be polished so that the material fits comfortably with the rest of your bite, and you are good to go.
After a filling, you may not be able to eat or drink until the numbing wears off. This may take a couple of hours. It is important that you stay on top of a consistent oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities in the future. While these fillings can help prevent severe damage to your teeth, the best thing you can do for yourself is to prevent cavities before they form.
Restore Your Smile Today!
To learn more about your options to fix cavities, schedule an appointment with our office by calling Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
