Treating Your Cavity With A Lifelike Filling

austin dental fillings

When you have a cavity, your tooth can ache and over time, even become infected or lost. To help treat the tooth and preserve your smile, our team can offer a lifelike solution. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about treating a dental cavity with a composite resin dental filling, and how to avoid the onset of tooth decay.

Treating Tooth Decay

Cavities form when the outer enamel is unable to protect the sensitive inner layers of dentin. This could happen when poor oral hygiene, such as a diet high in sugar and lack of proper brushing and flossing, create plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. An injury to the teeth or chronic teeth grinding could be a factor as well. Without treatment, the cavity will continue to spread throughout the tooth structure, eventually leading to an infection that causes worsening pain and the risk of tooth loss. When you have sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or a persistent toothache, then let us know right away.

The Dental Filling

If we examine the tooth and discover a cavity, our team will offer treatment in one visit. The filling procedure starts with our team administering a local anesthetic and then removing decay for the tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and the filling material placed in several layers. Instead of metal, our team will use a composite resin material, one that can be shaded to blend with the tooth and is safe for people of all ages. The material is sculpted as it cures under a light, and the last step involves polishing the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we can treat the cavity and help bring relief to your smile.

A Preventive Approach

We can also help you fight the onset of future cavities with preventive dentistry. You should brush and floss each day at home to remove food particles, before bacteria can break them down to create plaque. Cutting back on sugar foods and drinks also helps by destroying the bacteria’s access to a meal in the form of sugar particles. For children, we can discuss fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help strengthen the teeth and safeguard the smile. These actions also help fight issues like gingivitis and gum disease too!

If you have any questions about how we treat a case of tooth decay or about taking a preventive route, then contact our team to learn more today.

Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?

We want to offer restorative treatment with a lifelike approach, so your smile is healthier and looks great too. To schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.