Your teeth are tough and durable, but that doesn’t mean that they’re invincible. Without proper care, your teeth can become infected by bacteria. Bacteria are naturally present in your mouth, and when they build up in small colonies, they can start to do serious damage. As bacteria grow, they produce harmful acid that wears down the enamel of your teeth. Eventually, this wear will form a hole, a cavity. That cavity not only looks unappealing, but it also represents significant structural damage to your tooth. You can save your tooth from further harm with a dental filling.

Cleaning Out the Infection Stops the Damage

The first step in treating a cavity is cleaning out the bacterial infection that is already present. You’ll often notice a dark spot on your tooth when you have a cavity. This spot represents a large buildup of bacteria. The dentist needs to remove this bacteria, or it will continue to work its way deeper inside your tooth. A thorough cleaning and sanitization of the cavity can make way for a lifelike dental filling. Your dental filling will fill the hole left by bacteria, and restore structural stability to your tooth.

Your Teeth Need Stability to Function

Cavities look unappealing, and in some cases, they can cause you pain. While it’s an often-overlooked effect, cavities also rob your teeth of their stability. The structure of your tooth makes it tough and durable, allowing you to chew and eat food comfortably. Holes in that structure rob it of its integrity. Without that integrity, you may not be able to reliably use your teeth. Holes in your teeth also subject them to future attacks by bacteria. Choosing a lifelike dental filling repairs your tooth and gives you the confidence you need.

Tooth-Colored Fillings Have Many Advantages

When selecting a dental filling option to repair your tooth, you have a number of different materials from which to choose. Metal amalgam fillings are strong and durable, but they stand out in your mouth. Ceramic and resin fillings are tooth-colored, making them discreet and visually pleasing. These materials can also better conform to the shape of your cavity. That means that the final placement of your filling is more likely to be comfortable and fit nicely opposite your other teeth.The material is biocompatible and safe for all applications.

Seek Cavity Treatment at Smith Family Dentistry

Treating conditions like cavities quickly can prevent more extensive damage — like infected root canals. At Smith Family Dentistry, we will treat your oral health issues quickly and effectively. We work to find long-term solutions that lead to a better oral health future for all of our patients. Schedule an appointment at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX today by calling 903-455-5750.