When a patient comes to us with an aching tooth, we often find the culprit to be tooth decay. With a lifelike dental filling, we treat the cavity and restore the tooth’s health. By treating cavities, patients avoid the onset of serious complications, such as dental infections. Find out how advanced tooth decay leads to infections, when you should schedule a visit with your Greenville, TX, dentist.
The Cause of a Cavity
The tooth enamel coating our teeth protects the sensitive inner structure from harmful bacteria and injury. However, poor oral hygiene or a crack or chip could comprise the enamel and expose the inner layers of dentin to bacteria. A cavity then forms, one that will grow and spread without treatment. Patients then experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks and persistent toothaches. Over time, the bacteria could eventually reach the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. The tooth becomes infected and could require a root canal treatment and if ignored, possibly an extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth.
Dental Fillings
When we find the presence of tooth decay, we often correct the issue in one visit. A dental filling involves removing the decay and then cleaning the tooth. We then prepare the composite resin, a metal-free material that can be shaded to match the rest o the tooth structure. We apply the material and then shape the tooth as it cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth, which helps ensure a more natural looking appearance. In one visit, we treat the cavity and ensure your smile looks bright.
Preventing Infected Teeth
The filling stops the spread of decay, preventing a painful infection. The warning signs of an infected tooth include pain when eating, swelling near the tooth, a discharge from the tooth, fever, and toothaches/tooth sensitivity. Don’t ignore sudden pain in your teeth, even if the ache appears minor. Remember, treating the issue early helps prevent the onset of an infection and the need for a more substantial restorative treatment, such as a root canal. If you have any questions about our dental fillings, or if you have an aching tooth you think needs attention, then contact our team today. Remember, your six-month checkups and cleanings enable us to monitor your smile and often identify decay in the earliest possible stages, usually before you ever experience pain or sensitivity.
Ready for a Dental Restoration?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile. To learn more about our restorative dental treatment options, schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.