When you have a cavity in a tooth, this could eventually lead to sensitive teeth and toothaches, as well as the risk of dental infection. To treat the issue in one visit, we may place a dental filling. In today’s blog, your Sheridan, WY, dentist talks about how we treat cavities with our metal-free fillings.
The Causes of Cavities
Cavities form in the dentin, the soft material that composes most of your tooth structure and surrounding the inner pulp. Typically, the outer enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, prevents bacteria from reaching the dentin. But plaque buildup brought on by improper brushing and flossing and a diet high in sugar could lead to buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. An injury to the tooth could be a factor too, as could chronic teeth grinding. When one develops, the decay will grow and spread until the tooth develops painful aches and sensitivity, at which point treatment is crucial to avoid infection or abscess from occurring.
Our Metal-Free Material
In one visit, we can treat the tooth with a dental filling. While metal is effective, it could be unsafe for young kids, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with metal allergies. Which is why we have a metal-free alternative known as composite resin, which blends quartz-like and acrylic-like particles. We can actually color match it to blend with the smile seamlessly, so they enjoy a lifelike restoration that looks natural. The same material is also used in our dental bonding procedure, in which we use composite resin to treat damaged teeth or reshape malformed ones.
Placing Dental Fillings
To place a filling, we will first examine the teeth to assess the cause and severity of your decay. We then numb the tooth to keep it comfortable as we gently remote decay. We may also etch the surfaces too. We next prepare and place the composite resin to the tooth, and mold it as the material cures beneath a special light. The last step is to polish the teeth for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we offer treatment to protect your smile.
To help prevent cavities, be sure you and your family brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and take time to floss every evening too. Cut back on how much sugar and starch you consume, and drink plenty of water. Finally, be sure to see us for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months too!
Talk To Your Sheridan, WY Dentist About Addressing Cavities
We want to help you avoid the pain and complications of an untreated cavity. To find out how we treat cavities then reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.
