Tooth decay can form in the smiles of both kids and adults, and regardless of age, treatment is needed to avoid infection and the risk of tooth loss. To treat cavities and keep your smile intact, we could offer a filling. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we diagnose and treat cavities in only one visit with a dental filling.
The Causes of a Cavity
First, let’s talk about tooth decay. A cavity forms when the outer enamel is weakened and allows harmful oral bacteria to reach the sensitive inner tissues, creating decay. This could then spread with time to cause painful tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and eventually infection. The enamel could be weakened by plaque buildup created by factors like poor brushing and flossing and/or a diet high in sugar and starch. Injury or teeth grinding could also compromise the outer enamel. When you have pain in a tooth you should see us right away to find out if you need a filling!
Ensuring Your Comfort
We always take time to ensure you feel comfortable and welcomed when you visit our office. If you are nervous, we take this into consideration and take the time to talk to you about treatment and the tools we use. Our team could administer a local anesthetic to the tooth to numb the area and ensure you are relaxed and cozy during the treatment. If you have serious anxiety or other factors that could make undergoing care difficult, we could even discuss sedation to help you reach a deep state of calm, often with no memory of the procedure at all.
Treatment in One Visit with a Filling
When you are relaxed and confident, we will remove decay from the tooth. We then clean it thoroughly and may etch portions of the outer surface. We next apply the filling material in several layers. We don’t use metal, instead we employ a metal-free composite resin that is safe for all ages. The material can also be shaded to blend with the tooth. After we apply this, we will sculpt and mold the tooth to ensure an attractive appearance and proper balance in the bite. We cure the material under a light, and complete the process by polishing the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we can offer relief!
If you have any questions about treating cavities with our lifelike dental fillings, then reach out to our team today.
Dental Impressions Provide Restorative Dentistry
Our team is ready to treat cavities and protect your smile from toothaches and infection! To schedule your appointment and enjoy lifelike treatment for cavities, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
