When a cavity forms in your smile, you could develop toothaches and an increased risk of infection without treatment. But our team can offer a solution with a lifelike and biocompatible dental filling. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about how we treat cavities in one visit with composite resin dental fillings.
The Factors Behind Tooth Decay
Our teeth are made of several layers. The outermost is the enamel, a protective layer that protects the inner dentin, which is soft and sensitive. A cavity forms when harmful oral bacteria can make contact with the dentin, which is not possible unless the enamel is compromised. If the tooth is injured or worn down by tooth grinding, this could lead to decay. Likewise, a diet high in sugar and starch could provide particles for bacteria to consume, leading to a plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. Lack of proper brushing and flossing and infrequent visits for cleaning could also be a factor in the onset of cavities.
The Dangers of Untreated Cavities
A cavity will actually grow and spread through the tooth with time, which means lack of treatment could eventually lead to the onset of an infection or abscess, which not only leads to greater discomfort, but could also threaten the stability of your tooth. If you or a member of your family complains about tooth sensitivity or toothaches, then let us know right away. Once your tooth hurts, this means the decay has reached a more advanced stage.
Placing Dental Fillings
We will begin by carefully examining your smile with digital x-rays to identify the position and severity of your decay. We then plan the treatment process in detail, and numb the tooth to ensure you’re comfortable. Our team then removes the decay and cleans the structure thoroughly. We will prepare the filling material, shading it to blend with your tooth. This material is metal-free and can last for years to come, providing lifelike repair and stopping discomfort. We apply the material in several layers, and cure the composite resin under a light as we sculpt and mold the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.
In only one visit our team can treat tooth decay and safeguard the smile against major complications. If you have any questions about placing dental fillings, then contact our team today.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT RESTORATIVE DENTAL CARE
Don’t live with aching teeth and a risk of infection. If you would like to find out more about treating tooth decay in your smile, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
