Restoring Decayed Tooth Structure With Fillings
December 30, 2020
When you develop a cavity, this means decay has compromised the structure of your tooth and could lead to painful infections and abscesses too. To treat a cavity and protect the health and beauty of your smile, you may need a filling. Fortunately, your Kansas City, MO, dentist can offer a tooth-colored composite resin filling!
The Dangers of Tooth Decay
Cavities are common in kids and adults alike, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous for your smile! In fact, an untreated cavity could become a serious infection and even threaten the stability of your tooth. Cavities form when bacteria reach the inner dentin and begin to cause tooth sensitivity and toothaches when they grow enough to make contact with the inner pulp. This is possible when enamel is weakened and eroded due to poor oral hygiene, or damaged via injury. If you encounter pain in one or more of your teeth, then please let us know right away.
Creating a Lifelike Fillings
We will start by examining your tooth carefully. If we find serious demineralization or a full-fledged cavity, we will move forward with treatment. Using a local anesthetic, we will numb the area and then remove all decay from the tooth. We then clean it thoroughly and prepare the filling material. We apply a metal-free mixture of glass and acrylic that we tint to blend with your tooth. The material is commonly referred to as composite resin, and is also used in our cosmetic bonding procedures. After application, we shape and sculpt the tooth as we cure the composite resin under a light. We then polish the tooth. The whole process takes one visit, so you leave with a healthier and more comfortable smile.
Protecting Your Smile
What can be done to help lower the risk of future cavities? Good oral hygiene often limits the severity of plaque buildup and helps prevent demineralization. You should make sure you brush twice each day, with each session taking no less than two minutes and using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Each evening we also suggest flossing to reach what a toothbrush alone cannot remove. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria, is also beneficial. Every six months we would like to see you for a checkup and cleaning, so we can keep a close eye on your smile and remove all plaque and tartar buildup. If you have any questions about our approach to restorative dental care, then contact our team today!
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team offers a lifelike solution to tooth decay with a dental filling. To learn more about treating cavities in one visit, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.