Do you have a tooth that feels sensitive when you eat, or a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day or two? If so, your persistent discomfort could be related to tooth decay and require treatment! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist explains how we treat tooth decay with a custom and lifelike dental filling.
The Signs You May Need a Filling
How do you know if you need treatment with a dental filling? We always urge our patients and their families to see us for a checkup and cleaning every six months. When they do, this enables our team to watch for the earliest signs of demineralization and decay, so we can offer care before discomfort arises.
However, if you begin to experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches that don’t subside and instead increase with time, this could mean the presence of a cavity. Not only that, but the cavity is likely advanced once your tooth hurts, so treatment is crucial for keeping an infection at bay and avoiding the risk of tooth loss. See us right away to see if you need one of our tooth-colored fillings!
Treating Your Tooth Decay
A filling allows our team to treat a cavity and stop its spread, so you avoid infection and worsening pain. The procedure only takes one visit to complete. We start with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, so we can then remove the decay and clean the tooth. In some cases, we may also etch the outside of the tooth. We then apply the metal-free composite resin in several layers. The material has been shaded to blend with the smile and offer a cosmetic appearance.
We then sculpt and mold the tooth to ensure a lifelike appearance and proper balance as the composite resin is cured beneath a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we can bring relief and keep your smile whole and healthy!
Steps for Avoiding Cavities
Along with treating cavities, we can also offer care to help lower the risk for you and your family. For example, in our checkup visits we can remove plaque and tartar with a cleaning to prevent enamel erosion and decay. We can also provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants for kids, which helps safeguard them against cavities. If you have any questions about how we treat cavities in only one sitting, then contact our team today!
Dental Impressions Offers Restorations That Look Natural
Our team wants to take on your cavity with a filling that blends with the rest of your smile. To schedule your appointment and learn more about treating your cavities, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
