Tooth decay could cause toothaches and without treatment, could lead to infection and even the risk of losing a tooth. To treat the cavity and protect your smile, we will offer a lifelike dental restoration. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about our natural-looking composite resin fillings and how they stop toothaches and keep your tooth in place!
The Causes of a Cavity
Our teeth are made of several layers. The innermost is a collection of living tissues known as the pulp. Surrounding this and making up most of the tooth is a sensitive structure known as the dentin. Finally, the tooth is coated in the outermost layer, the tooth enamel that protects the tooth. A cavity means that harmful bacteria can bypass the enamel to reach the dentin. This could be due to teeth grinding, injury, or factors that weaken enamel, such as plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene. Without treatment, the cavity will grow in severity until it reaches the pulp, at which point a tooth is infected and the risk of worsening pain or tooth loss increases.
Treating Tooth Decay
When you have a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day or two, or if you have tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, you should let us know. Our team will conduct a detailed exam with advanced digital x-rays, allowing us to assess the position and severity of your decay, planning your filling placement in detail. Our team then numbs the tooth to keep you comfortable as we remove decay and clean the structure thoroughly. We then prepare and place the filling material. As we sculpt and mold the tooth, our team will cure the material with a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In only one visit we can treat tooth decay with a lifelike filling!
The Benefits of Composite Resin
While metal fillings are effective, they may not be safe for all patients, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or even people with metal allergies. But with composite resin, our team can create a restoration that is metal-free and biocompatible, bonding with your tooth. We can also shade the material to ensure it blends with your tooth and offers a lifelike appearance. In fact, we also use the same material in our dental bonding procedures to mask common cosmetic imperfections in only one sitting.
If you have any questions about fillings, then contact our team today.
Dental Impressions Talks About Treating Cavities
Our team wants to offer a solution to a cavity that protects your smile and looks natural! To find out more about restorative dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
