Treating a cavity not only stops painful toothaches, but also prevents complications, such as the onset of an infection or abscess. To ensure treatment blends with the smiles of our Garland, TX, patients, we typically use a lifelike dental filling. Made from composite resin, we can ensure they will match your tooth and protect the health and appearance of your smile.
Do I Have a Cavity?
Our outer layer of tooth enamel typically protects our teeth from harmful bacteria. However, when the outer layer becomes compromised, which can happen when a tooth becomes cracked or chipped, or is weakened due to poor oral hygiene, then bacteria reaches the inner layers. Once bacteria reach the dentin, the sensitive inner layers that make up most of the tooth structure, a cavity forms. Over time, the decay will continue to grow and spread through the tooth, possibly even leading to an infection or abscess. Warning signs include toothaches and tooth sensitivity that don’t subside after a few hours. If you attend regular checkups and cleanings, then we typically identify cavities in the early stages, often before you experience pain.
The Filling Placement
For those with a cavity, we may place a filling to fix the issue in one visit. We first remove the decay and then clean the tooth thoroughly. Next, we prepare the composite resin, a metal-free mixture of special glass and plastic compounds that can be shaded to match a tooth’s color. We apply the material and then cure it under a light as the dentist sculpts the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth to offer a more lifelike appearance. The entire process takes one visit and prevents the tooth from worsening decay and the need for more substantial treatment, such a crown placement or a root canal.
Preventing Future Cavities
What steps should our patients take to help them avoid cavities? We suggest first cutting back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, which could feed harmful bacteria. Be sure you take time to brush your teeth twice daily using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and floss every night before going to sleep. Make time to see us every six months to have your teeth examined and cleaned, a process that removes plaque buildup and protects the smile from enamel erosion and decay. If you have any questions, then please feel free to contact our team today!
Do You Need Tooth Decay Treatment?
If you have a cavity, we want to help you stay free of infections with a custom-made dental filling. For more information on our lifelike restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
