If you have a cavity, you need a filling to avoid the onset of a painful infection, or the loss of your tooth altogether. To provide a lifelike and natural looking option, we could create and place a metal-free filling. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about the benefits of our composite resin fillings.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
What causes a cavity to form? Well, they develop once harmful oral bacteria come into contact with the inner dentin, the sensitive tooth structure unusually protected by the outer enamel. The enamel could become compromised through an injury that cracks or chips the outer layer. However, poor oral hygiene habits that promote plaque buildup and enamel erosion is the most common cause. Treatment is crucial to avoid the onset of an infection or abscess, which could eventually cause tooth loss. Warning signs of trouble include tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as a toothache that doesn’t subset after a day.
Creating a Metal-Free Restorations
If you have persistent pain in your smile, then please see us right away. We will carefully examine your smile with advanced technology to diagnose the presence of a cavity. If we find decay, we will administer a numbing agent to the area around the tooth and proceed with a filling placement. We need to remove all decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we prepare the composite resin filling material and place it onto the tooth. The material contains no metal and is safe for people of all ages. We also color-match it to blend with the rest of your tooth. The next step involves shaping the tooth as we cure the composite resin under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance.
Keeping Your Teeth Strong
As you see, we can treat a cavity in only one visit! But what about avoiding them altogether? First, make sure you brush and floss every day, as these actions remove tray food and drink particles that could feed harmful oral bacteria. You also help by cutting back on sugary foods and drinks which are a favorite of these harmful bacteria. We also suggest see us for a checkup and cleaning. We can identify cavities in the earliest stages, and also remove all harmful plaque and tartar buildup. If you have any questions about how we treat issues like tooth decay in one visit, then contact our team today.
TALK TO YOUR HOUSTON, TX DENTIST ABOUT TREATING CAVITIES
Our team wants to help treat cavities and keep your smile strong and comfortable! To find out more about how we repair cavities and protect your smile, then please contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Vlachakis, by calling 281-974-4494.
