When a cavity develops, this could cause major discomfort and eventually lead to a dental infection without treatment. Fortunately, we can help treat cases of tooth decay with a lifelike dental filling. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about how we can create and place our lifelike dental fillings.
Dental Cavities
A cavity means that harmful oral bacteria has made contact with the inner dentin, these sensitive layers that make up most of your tooth structure. This could happen when the outer enamel is compromised, either through injury or poor oral hygiene that weakens and erodes it. The tooth could feel sensitive when you eat or speak, or could develop a toothache. Once it begins to hurt, the decay is likely deep and treatment is crucial for avoiding infection. When you have pain in a tooth, let us know right away. If you attend checkups every six months, then we can easily identify and treat the issue in the earliest stages, long before you experience pain.
Placing Fillings
How do we treat a cavity? Our team will begin with an exam to identify the position and severity of your decay. We then numb the tooth to keep you comfortable as we remove the decay and clean the tooth. We may also etch the outer surface. The filling material isn’t metal, we instead use a composite resin that is metal-free, safe for all ages, and has the ability to be shaded to blend with the tooth. We apply this in several layers, and then sculpt and mold the tooth while the composite resin cures beneath a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.
Steps to Prevent Cavities
Action is possible to avoid the onset of cavities! First, people of all ages benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can watch for signs of trouble and also remove the plaque and tartar that could erode the outer enamel and make cavities possible. For children, we can also discuss fluoride treatment and dental sealants to help prevent cavities. At home, you should limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and also take time to brush twice a day for two minutes. Be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste when you do, and also make sure to floss every evening as well.
If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating issues like tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Our Restorations?
We would like to help treat cases of tooth decay or infection to protect your smiles! To make an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.
