When a cavity develops in a tooth, treatment is needed to not only stop discomfort, but prevent the onset of a dental infection. Fortunately, our team offers treatment that is biocompatible and looks natural too! In today’s blog, your Bellaire, TX, dentist talks about our composite resin dental fillings.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
Cavities form when harmful oral bacteria can reach past the protective layer of enamel and into the dentin, the sensitive tooth structure beneath. This could happen when a tooth is cracked or chipped, worn down by teeth grinding, or if the enamel is weakened by plaque buildup, itself a product of poor diet and improper brushing and flossing habits. The cavity will grow in severity with time, until your tooth feels sensitive when you eat or drink or you develop a toothache that doesn’t pass with time. When these symptoms arise, the decay is in a more advanced stage and you need care right away! Don’t ignore these symptoms, contact our team for treatment.
Composite Resin Material
With advanced digital technology, we will assess the position and severity of your decay, so we can plan treatment with detail. In most cases, we will treat the cavity in one visit with a dental filling. Instead of metal, our team will opt for composite resin, which is safe for all ages. The material blends acrylic-like and glass-like particles, and can be shaded to blend with your smile. Composite resin is also used in our dental bonding procedures for this reason, so we can mask common cosmetic imperfections in only one sitting.
Placing Your Filling
We begin placing your filling by numbing the tooth and then removing the decay from the tooth. We then prepare and place the filling material in multiple layers, sculpting and molding the area as the material cures beneath a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit we stop the decay and prevent further discomfort, while also limiting the risk of further infections too. To help protect your smile down the road, we urge you to brush for two minutes when you wake up and then again before going to bed. Each time, use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen the outer enamel. We urge you to limit how much sugar and starch are in your diet, and of course, find the time to see our team for a checkup and cleaning visit.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat a cavity with a filling, or about steps to prevent the onset of tooth decay, then contact our team today.
Schedule Your Restorative Appointment Today
Call Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at (713) 668-9119 to learn more about our custom and lifelike dental fillings.