Once, receiving a filling meant you had to rely on a metal restoration, which meant there was no way it could look natural or blend with your smile. However, we can now offer our Des Moines, IA, patients a filling created from a metal-free material. Find out how we treat cavities with our durable and tooth-colored dental fillings.
Does My Toothache Mean a Cavity?
Sometimes a toothache could arise as a result of a sinus or allergy issue. Other times, winter air or changes in elevation could lead to sensitivity. However, these pains will be short-lived and pass after a few hours. A toothache that lasts for more than 48 hours could mean you have a cavity and need treatment, otherwise the decay could soon lead to a painful infection. A cavity occurs when bacteria is no longer held back by the outer enamel and reaches the inner dentin, which is more sensitive and porous. Causes include injuries, such as cracks or chips, or poor oral hygiene, which can lead to plaque buildup and weakened and eroded tooth enamel.
Treatment with Fillings
If we discover you have a cavity then our team can remove the decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. We then prepare the composite resin material, a metal-free blend of glass and plastic compounds. We can even shade the material to match the color of your tooth. We apply the composite resin in several layers and then shape the tooth as we cure it under a light. The final step involves polishing the tooth for a more natural appearance. The entire procedure only takes one sitting to complete!
Avoiding Future Tooth Decay
To reduce the risk of cavities in the future, we suggest brushing your teeth when you wake up for two minutes, Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Before bed you should brush again and also floss in between your teeth. This removes food particles and reduces the severity of plaque buildup. Patients also benefit from cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, and seeing us every six months for a checkup and cleaning. During these visits, we can identify cavities in the earliest stages, and also remove plaque buildup with a manual tool and ultrasonic scaler. If you have any questions about identifying and treating cavities, or about our fillings in particular, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have a Toothache?
Don’t ignore potential warning signs of a cavity, talk to our team today. To learn more about our restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.