Fixing Your Cavities Using Lifelike Fillings
November 4, 2019
A cavity can form when we eat too many sugary sweets, or if we fail to take proper care of our smiles each day. However, most likely they occur as a combination of these two factors. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist will explain how we treat cavities and offer a filling that not only looks natural but takes one visit to place!
How Does a Cavity Happen?
Most of our tooth structure is made of dentin, a very sensitive and porous material that becomes decayed once bacteria come into contact with it. However, a thin but powerful layer of outer enamel protects the dentin. Cavities happen then the enamel is compromised. For example, an injury that cracks or chips a tooth could expose the dentin. Poor oral hygiene could allow the teeth to become coated in plaque, which weakens and erodes the layer and allows dentin and bacteria to meet. Once a cavity forms, it will grow and become more severe, eventually causing tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Unless treated, your tooth could become susceptible to a serious infection.
Placing Your Dental Filling
If you have pain in your smile, let us know. We will examine your tooth and if we find a cavity, we will remove the decay from your tooth and clean it. Next, we will apply a filling material, which we create from a metal-free composite resin. We can shade this material to blend with your tooth. We apply the material and mold the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a lifelike appearance. The entire process takes one visit, protecting your tooth from infection without having a major impact on your already-hectic schedule.
Keeping Cavities Away
To avoid cavities in the future, be sure to visit us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can watch your smile for earliest indicators of trouble. A cleaning then removes plaque, which helps protect your enamel. At home, you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and also floss before bed. Be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid inadvertent enamel damage, and employ a toothpaste with fluoride, which strengthens the outer enamel. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks which could feed harmful oral bacteria. If you have any questions about avoiding cavities or treating them, then contact our team today.
Does Your Tooth Need a Filling?
If you have a sensitive or aching tooth, and the pain continues to persist, please let us know right away. To learn more about our restorative solutions for tooth decay, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.