Let’s Stop That Toothache With a Filling
December 16, 2019
Does your tooth hurt? Well, this time a year aches and sensitivity may be the result of the winter chill in the air, but a persistent ache could mean a cavity. In order to prevent a cavity from becoming a painful infection or abscess, or even threatening the loss of your tooth, then we may suggest a filling. Your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about how we treat a decayed tooth in one visit with a lifelike filling!
Toothaches and Tooth Decay
A cavity means that harmful bacteria has gained access to the sensitive and porous layers of dentin underneath your outer enamel. The protective enamel could have become compromised due to cracks or chips or possibly eroded as a result of poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. If you attend routine visits, then we likely identify cavities before you experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not realize you need to see us until toothaches and tooth sensitivity occurs, at which point the problem has already reached the later stages!
Don’t Let an Infection Develop!
The dentin surrounds the inner pulp, the bundle of living tissues that keep the tooth functional and healthy. When bacteria reach the pulp, which can happen as a result of an untreated and growing cavity, then the tooth becomes infected. Unless a root canal is administered soon, the tooth could require extraction to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth. To avoid this, be sure to let us know when you first begin to experience discomfort, so we can treat the tooth with an infection and prevent further discomfort or infection.
The Filling Process
The treatment process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic around the tooth to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the proceedings. Next, we remove all decay from the tooth and then gently etch the surface. We prepare the filling material, a metal-free blend of glass and plastic compounds that is shaded to match the color of your tooth structure. The dentist then molds the tooth and cures the material under a light. The final step is to polish the tooth. The entire procedure takes one visit and helps prevent infection and halt discomfort. If you have more severe cases of tooth decay, then we may suggest a crown, which again will be designed to look natural and blend with your smile. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Do You Need a Restoration?
We can return your teeth to full function, beauty, and health in as little as one sitting with our custom restorations. To learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018. We’re here to help residents in our community enjoy optimal oral health and beautiful, bright smiles.