If you or your children develop a dental cavity, then treatment is crucial for preventing complications, such as eventual infections or abscesses. In order to stop the progression of a cavity, we may need to create and place a dental filling. With a metal-free option, we can provide a solution that blends with the smile and helps people in Greenville, TX, enjoy healthy, attractive smiles.
What Happens If a Cavity Is Ignored?
A cavity forms when harmful bacteria is able to reach the sensitive inner layers of dentin. Typically, the outermost layer of tooth enamel safeguards the dentin, but should poor oral hygiene weaken and erode the enamel, or an injury crack or chip the tooth, then a cavity can form in these sensitive and porous layers. Over time, the decay will grow and eventually, reach your tooth’s nerve center, known commonly as the pulp. An infection then forms, which causes substantial discomfort and could mean an increased risk of tooth loss. Don’t let an infection form, let us know as soon as you notice tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks or a persistent toothache.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
A filling halts the decay and prevents the onset of an infection. We begin by removing all decay from your tooth and then thoroughly cleaning it. We will take steps to ensure the entire process is comfortable for you. Next, we prepare the filling material. Instead of metal, we use a blend of glass and acrylic compounds known as composite resin, which we can shade to match the color of the tooth. We apply the material in several different layers, and then we shape the tooth while the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth, which offers a more lifelike appearance.
Preventive Actions
We can repair cavities in a single visit, but we would much rather help you avoid decay completely. At home, be sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss before bed. Cut back on foods high in sugary and starch, and also reduce your consumption of drinks with lots of sugars and acids. Make time to see us every six moths so we can examine and clean your teeth. These steps help limit the risk of tooth decay! If you have any questions about our restorations, or if you have an aching tooth, then contact our team today.
Do You Need a Filling?
If you have pain in your smile, or your dentist spots a cavity, then restorative treatment is needed. For more information on our single-visit, lifelike restorations, then schedule a consultation by calling Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, today at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, and all surrounding communities.