If you have developed a cavity and your tooth begins to hurt, then you need treatment. Otherwise, this could lead to worsening pain and even the onset of an infected tooth. Fortunately, we can help with a dental filling! In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about how we place a filling to treat tooth decay.
The Factors Behind Cavities
Cavities occur when harmful bacteria can move beyond your outer enamel and reach the sensitive inner tissue, known as dentin. Poor oral hygiene habits, like improper brushing and flossing, and a diet high in sugar and starch, could create plaque buildup that weakens and erodes the enamel. Injury or teeth grinding could also compromise this protected layer. When cavities form, they will grow and spread with time, which is why treatment is so crucial for avoiding an infected or abscessed tooth.
When to Seek Treatment
If you attend regular checkup visits every six months, then our team will take a close look at your smile with digital x-rays, so we can identify the earliest stages of demineralization, when the enamel is being weakened, and treat the issue before you develop discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you need to see us until the decay has reached a more advanced stage, at which point your tooth aches or you feel sensitivity when you eat or drink. At this stage, scheduling an appointment for a diagnosis is necessary, and you should call our team right away.
Dental Fillings
Placing a dental filling only takes one visit to complete. Our team will begin by gathering digital x-rays of your smile so we can assess the cause and extent of your decay. We then numb your tooth so you’re comfortable as we remove the decay and clean the tooth. Next, we apply the filling material, a metal-free composite resin that we can color match it to blend with your tooth and offer a natural appearance. As we sculpt and mold the tooth, we will cure the material with a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In a single sitting, we tackle your decay and protect your tooth!
If you have any questions about how our team can diagnose and treat tooth decay with a lifelike dental filling, then contact our team today. Better yet, be sure to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning appointment.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT TREATING CAVITIES
We would like to help you enjoy a lifelike solution to your dental cavity. If you would like to find out more about treating cavities, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
