A tooth filling is a restoration we can place in only one visit, and one that can halt the discomfort brought on by an untreated cavity. For a lifelike restoration, we can shade it to blend with your smile. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we can stop toothaches with a simple dental filling, one that looks natural and matches your smile!
The Link Between Your Toothache and Cavities
The outside of each tooth is coated in a thin but powerful layer of outer enamel, which protects the sensitive inner structure from harmful bacteria and injury. But when we don’t brush and floss properly, avoid six-month cleanings, and eat a diet high in sugar, this can create plaque and tartar buildup that weakens and erodes the outer enamel. This exposes the dentin to harmful bacteria and increases the risk of cavities. As the decay grows and spreads through your tooth, you could experience painful sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a toothache that only grows more severe with time. Don’t ignore pain in a tooth, talk to our team right away to undergo a diagnosis and see if you need a dental filling!
A Solution with a Same-Day Filling
Our team can place one same-day to halt discomfort and bring relief, and also prevent your decay from becoming an infection that not only hurts worse, but could threaten the stability of your tooth. If you need a filling, we will start the procedure by numbing your tooth with a local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable as we remove decay from it. We then clean the tooth and place the filling material in several layers. We use a metal-free composite resin, which can be color-matched to your tooth. This material is safe for children and grownups alike, and can last for years to come. Our team will mold the tooth while we cure the composite resin with a light. The final step is to polish it, which offers a brighter and more lifelike appearance.
Tips for Reducing Your Cavity Risk
Our team also wants to provide tips for lowering your risk of tooth decay. For example, be sure you brush and floss daily and use a fluoride toothpaste when you do, as this helps keep your outer enamel strong. Lowering how much sugar and starch are in your diet, and be sure you see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
Dental Impressions Provides Restoration in One Visit
We want to help treat cavities and bring relief to your smile. To schedule your appointment and learn more about restorative dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
