If you have tooth decay, treatment is crucial for protecting your smile from further complications. In many cases, we place a dental filling to repair the tooth. How does a filling fix a cavity and what should you expect from the procedure?
Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings and Cavities
Question: What happens if you don’t undergo treatment?
Answer: Without treatment a cavity continues to grow and spread throughout your tooth. Eventually, the decay can come into contact with the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. At this point, an infection or abscess can form that leads to greater discomfort and eventually, the risk of tooth loss.
Question: What are signs you have a cavity?
Answer: A routine checkup every six months can allow us to catch signs of decay in the earliest stages. Otherwise, you should be aware of any changes to your smile, For example, if you notice your teeth suddenly feel more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, or that a toothache has formed that doesn’t subside, then you need to see us right away.
Question: How do you place a filling?
Answer: We begin by removing the decay and cleaning the tooth. We prepare the composite resin material, which is metal-free and can be shaded to match the tooth. We apply the material and sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. The entire visit only takes one visit.
Question: What if I need a dental crown?
Answer: If you have severe cavities, a more substantial restoration may be necessary. We can create and place a custom-made crown, often made from natural looking materials, such as ceramic or zirconia. If you have any questions about restorations or tooth decay, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FILLINGS?
At Mai Dentistry, we can fix tooth decay with a lifelike restoration. To learn more about our practice, or to schedule your next appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
