It is estimated that nearly all adults in the US will have at least one cavity in their lives. This means that you may already be familiar with fillings. This is a treatment that helps restore your pearly whites after tooth decay has caused minor damage. There are many materials that can be used during this process, but Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, chooses to use composite resin for this.
Read more: Restore Your Smile With Composite Resin FillingsHow Fillings Treat Cavities
A cavity is a small hole that can be formed on the tooth when the enamel has been eroded. Our enamel is one of the hardest materials in our body, and unfortunately, it cannot be regrown. If it has been damaged by tooth decay, the tooth will need to be restrengthened with a filling. During this process, the decayed part of the structure will be removed. Then, the area is cleaned, and the composite resin will be added. This helps protect your pearly whites from further damage and bacteria. To prevent tooth decay, make sure to practice proper oral hygiene at home and see your dentist regularly for a cleaning and examination.
At your next checkup, your dentist will examine your smile to check for signs of decay or other concerns. If any are noticed, they may recommend that you schedule a restoration to repair the problem. If a cavity is not filled, it has the potential to continue developing and can lead to more severe damage. After the enamel is worn away, it can deteriorate the dentin and may end up decaying the pulp of the tooth. This layer contains blood vessels and nerves and would require a root canal treatment if the cavity progressed this far.
Why We Use Composite Resin
In the past, materials like amalgam, gold, porcelain, or glass ionomer. Each of these offers its advantages and disadvantages. Composite resin is used because it is highly durable, long-lasting, can be easily bonded, and can appear lifelike. Less of your tooth will need to be removed during the process because the composite resin can be bonded with more ease. It will not stand out in your smile, either, which is a helpful advantage over other materials. Lastly, it will not warp when there is a temperature change, which could happen with amalgam or gold fillings.
Composite resin can also be used for cosmetic treatments. Patients with intrinsic discoloration, chips, cracks, or small spaces between their teeth can have these problems corrected with cosmetic bonding. This is the process of adding composite resin to the tooth.
Schedule Your Restoration Today
If you have a cavity, do not put off this treatment. You can schedule an appointment with Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, by calling us at (515) 965-0230.
