When you have tooth decay, you eventually have painful symptoms and in the later stages, the risk of an infected or abscessed tooth! To prevent these complications and bring relief from painful toothaches, we could place a filling. In today’s blog, your Des Moines, IA, dentist talks about how we treat cavities with a lifelike dental filling.
The Dangers of Ignoring Your Cavities
A dental cavity forms when oral bacteria can bypass the protective layer of enamel and reach the inner dentin. The resulting cavity will continue to grow and spread without treatment, leading to persistent toothaches and sensitivity, and even the risk of a dental infection with time. The decay could form due to poor oral hygiene weakening and eroding enamel, such as infrequent brushing and flossing, a diet high in sugar, and plaque buildup that isn’t removed with a cleaning and instead hardens into tartar. To avoid worsening symptoms and tooth loss, you should let us know when you experience pain in your smile!
The Dental Filling
Our team will first examine the smile and pinpoint the position and assess the severity of the cavity. Next, we will numb the tooth and then gently remove all decay. The composite resin material is then displayed out the tooth. This filling material contains no metal, and is safe for all ages. We can also color-match it to blend with your smile and offer a lifelike result. We’ll sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance and a smoother appearance. In one visit, we can bring relief and protect your tooth from infections!
Protecting Your Smile
What can be done to avoid future cavities? First, make sure you brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes in the morning and again at night. Be sure you floss every evening too. Try to cut back on the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume, and see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months. With these visits, we identify the earliest stages of decay, and help protect cavities by cleaning the teeth thoroughly.
If you have any questions about how to diagnose and treat issues like tooth decay, or if you need to schedule a checkup and cleaning for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today to learn more!
YOUR DES MOINES, IA DENTIST OFFERS RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Our team wants to address cavities and keep your smile healthy, comfortable and beautiful. If you have any questions about how we treat issues like tooth decay in one visit, then contact your Des Moines, IA, dentist, Dr. Burds, by calling 515-244-9565.