To maintain a strong and healthy smile, it is recommended a person brush his or her teeth at least twice a day – preferably three times – and to floss at least once daily. In addition to at-home practices, you should attend routine checkups and cleanings to keep an eye on smile development and overall health. It is during these visits that we provide insight into the effectiveness of your routine or if you have developed any cavities. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA dentist discusses how a dental filling can mitigate tooth decay, as well as what to expect from your treatment.
How a Cavity Forms
Cavities are a common oral health concern that affect many people annually, but how do they come to be? You see, every smile contains oral bacteria, and though we do our best to minimize their influence, it is impossible to rid the mouth of all bacteria. When bacteria lurk in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, they can hide and thrive by feeding off of sugars contained in food scraps that get lodged between teeth. As bacteria feed, they produce a destructive acid that begins to eat away at the tooth’s natural structure. Over time, a small hole known as a cavity forms.
Without restorative dental intervention, the cavity and infection itself will only continue to grow until your entire tooth is compromised. To prevent this from happening, our team may recommend a dental filling to remove the infection and reinforce your natural structure. For more information about tooth decay and how it progresses, contact our office today.
Your Treatment
During a dental filling, we will first take care to numb the affected area before removing the infection. Once the decayed or infected tooth is removed, we will fill the open hole with a tooth-colored composite resin. After it has been shaped to satisfaction, we will cure it using a special light and adjust according to your bite. When infection progresses to the point of needing a root canal, we will then utilize a dental crown to help reinforce the tooth and keep it protected during the healing process. Of course, treatment is customized to each person’s needs, so our dentist will discuss your specifics with you at your appointment.
Aftercare and How We Help
Immediately following your filling, we recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods and limit hot or cold beverage consumption. It is also a good idea to brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Finally, avoid smoking, as doing so can damage the filling and increase your risk of infection.
Questions? Give Our Team a Call
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or believe you may have a cavity, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to help with your restorative dental needs, and we encourage you to give us a call. Contact Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA by calling (515) 965-0230 and schedule your next appointment today.
