Cavities are one of the most common problems that dental patients face. These happen when plaque deteriorates our enamel and forms a space in our teeth. Although this is a prevalent dilemma, there are ways to stop the progression of decay before it severely damages your smile. Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, offers composite resin fillings to repair your tooth after cavities.
Read more: Composite Resin Protects Your SmilePrevention Starts At Home
To reduce the need for restorations, a proper oral hygiene routine is necessary. You should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This can help remove bacteria from throughout the day to prevent plaque buildup. Dental visits should happen at least twice a year, as a general rule. Your dentist may request that you come in more often depending on certain factors. These visits include a cleaning and examination, which can help monitor several problems. By seeing the dentist every six months, you can be monitored for tooth decay, gingivitis, oral cancer, and other problems. If these issues do come up, an early diagnosis can help treat the problem as soon as possible and prevent it from worsening.
Poor Dental Hygiene Causes Other Problems
Oral hygiene is used to keep your breath fresh, clean, and free of decay and infection. Poor oral hygiene can lead to developing cavities and gum disease. Studies show that patients who develop more decay are at a higher risk of periodontitis. This may stem from the fact that both of these problems are due to the harmful plaque caused by oral bacteria. While cavities can be treated with dental fillings, gum disease is more complicated. Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontitis, can be reversed if caught in time. To treat it, you may need several deep cleanings to remove the plaque bacteria and reattach the tissue to the root of the tooth. However, if gum disease is found in more progressive stages, these deep cleanings can only manage your symptoms. If left untreated, it can result in persistent bad breath, receding of the gums, and tooth loss in severe cases.
How Cavities Are Treated
The process of a filling is fairly straightforward. Using a gentle drill, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed. Then, the area is cleaned and prepared. A space is left behind from the cavity, and this will be filled with composite resin to protect the tooth from harmful bacteria. Composite resin is easily bondable and can be used for other problems as well. For instance, minor chips or blemishes on the tooth can be fixed with the use of this material.
Schedule Your Checkup Today
When you have a cavity, it is important to have it treated as soon as possible. To schedule a filling appointment, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
