Hearing that you have a cavity in your tooth can feel like pretty bad news especially if you do your best to take good care of your smile. Unfortunately, even with the most vigilant of oral hygiene, visits to the dentist, and mindful nutrition, tooth decay can happen in our smiles. It can happen for a variety of reasons ranging from your body’s natural pH balance in your smile to teeth-grinding has weakened your teeth to maybe you are missing a spot during your brushing or flossing. Whatever the reason you have tooth decay, a dental filling can help to stop it. Your dentist in Sheridan, WY, can help you treat tooth decay and protect your smile from future issues.
Why Is It Necessary?
Tooth decay is a progressive condition, which means it will continue to worsen and progress until it is treated. Unlike some other health conditions that may clear up on their own, tooth decay will wreak havoc on your smile when left untreated. If a filling is not done on a cavity, tooth decay can continue to progress inside a tooth. Eventually, it can cause inflammation and infection to the inner pulp of the teeth. It may infect the roots and spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. At these later stages, a root canal treatment or an extraction may become necessary for your health’s sake.
What Does a Filling Do?
A filling is done when tooth decay has eroded away the enamel of your tooth (which is the outer protective layer) and reached the dentin (the softer layer just beneath the enamel). A filling entails disinfecting the tooth to clean away any bacteria and any damaged pieces of tooth. The protective layer is then restored using a tooth-colored composite resin that can be hardened and polished to act and look like your natural tooth. Your tooth can be saved from further damage and potential loss through a filling.
Have you needed a dental filling in your smile?
Your dentist can tell you exactly when and why you may need a dental filling. To schedule a consultation, call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, at (307) 672-7567. Along with residents of Sheridan, we also proudly serve the residents of Gillette, Billings, Miles City, and all surrounding communities.
