When a cavity forms in a tooth, we can help kids and adults alike with a dental filling. The restoration doesn’t have to be metal either, as we have a lifelike alternative with composite resin. In today’s blog, your Charles City, IA, dentist talks about how we treat a cavity with the placement of a dental filling.
The Causes and Warning Signs of a Dental Cavity
Tooth decay means that the outer enamel, which protects the sensitive inner structure of your tooth, has been compromised. When we eat a diet high in sugar and starch, combined with poor brushing and flossing habits, this can create plaque and tartar buildup, which coats the teeth and weakens and erodes the enamel, making cavities possible. Teeth grinding or injuries to the teeth can also be factors. When cavities form, they grow in severity until you experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches, at which point treatment is crucial to avoid infection and the risk of tooth loss. When your tooth hurts, schedule an appointment so we can examine your smile and see if you need a filling!
The Difference Composite Resin Makes
While metal fillings are effective, they may not be safe for everyone, and can change shape due to time and temperature, risking further decay down the road. But we can use composite resin, which is biocompatible and metal-free, bonding with the tooth and lasting for years to come. In addition to being safe for people of all ages, the material can be color matched to blend with your smile. We even use the same material in our dental bonding procedures to treat and mask common cosmetic imperfections.
Placing Your Lifelike Restoration
Once our team diagnoses and assesses the cavity, we will numb the tooth and remove the decay from it. Afterward, we clean the teeth and then prepare and place the composite resin material. Our team next shapes and sculpts your tooth while the composite resin cures beneath a light. The last step is to polish the tooth, which brightens it. The whole process takes one visit, so you leave with relief from discomfort and a tooth free of decay and the risk of infection. Afterward, you can help protect your smile with a healthier diet, better brushing and flossing habits (be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste!), and visits for cleanings every few months, so we can remove all plaque and tartar.
If you have any questions about fillings, then contact our team today.
We Can Offer a Natural-Looking Dental Restoration
Our team wants to help you enjoy good oral health and a smile that is healthy and free of aches caused by cavities. For a dental filling that looks natural, talk to Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA at (641)228-1115!
