When you have a cavity, this could lead to an aching tooth and without treatment, the risk of a dental infection. To treat the issue, we could offer a metal-free and lifelike dental filling. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about how we treat cavities with our composite resin dental fillings.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
How does tooth decay occur? Each of our teeth are coated in a strong layer of enamel, which protects them from injury and exposure to harmful bacteria. But when the enamel is weakened or damaged, this allows bacteria to reach the inner layers of dentin. Cavities then form and will spread unless treated, eventually leading to an infection. Your enamel could be weakened as a result of an injury or possibly teeth grinding. Plaque buildup brought on by poor oral hygiene and a diet high on sugar could also erode and weaken enamel. When cavities form, you may experience tooth sensitivity during meals or even toothaches. Don’t ignore these, instead talk to our team about possible solutions!
Help with a Dental Filling
If we examine your smile and find a cavity, then we often provide treatment in only one visit with a dental filling. We don’t use metal, instead we opt for a metal-free composite resin that is safe for all ages, and that will bond with the tooth. The material can be shaded to blend with your smile too, offering a lifelike appearance. We will numb the tooth with a local anesthesia and then remove decay. We clean the tooth and apply the filling material in several layers. We then sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. One visit is all it takes to treat cavities and prevent complications like infection and tooth loss.
Steps to Lower Cavity Risk
Positive changes to your oral hygiene habits could help lower the risk of tooth decay. For example, starting your day by brushing for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and then doing it again before bed, can help remove stray food and drink particles. You also need to floss every evening before you brush that second time to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. If you have any questions about how we treat tooth decay with a dental filling, or about how to prevent the onset of a cavity, then contact our team today to learn more.
Prevent Decay and Infection With Healthy Smiles
Our team wants to help treat cavities in only one visit with a dental restoration. To find out more about our office, or to schedule an appointment, please call Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX at (281) 974-4494.
