Have you been told that you have a cavity? This can sometimes come as a surprise to patients, especially if you practice a good oral hygiene routine and see your dentist regularly. However, tooth decay can happen to anyone and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent significant damage. Your Rochester, MN, dental team offers tooth-colored fillings that can help restore the damage and blend in with your smile.
Why Do Cavities Happen?
Cavities occur when bacteria from the foods and beverages we eat or drink during the day stick to our teeth and form into plaque. If the plaque is not removed during professional cleaning, it can begin to wear away your enamel and create small holes in your tooth that become cavities. You might not notice that you have tooth decay because it may not show side effects for several months. If your teeth are sensitive when eating hot or cold foods or you have bad breath after brushing, you may have a cavity. Your dentist may also be able to detect tooth decay during your biannual examination as well. If they spot a cavity, they will recommend that you come in for a dental filling to treat it.
What To Expect During A Dental Filling
Dental fillings are fairly simple and minimally invasive treatments. At your appointment, the team will examine and possibly take X-rays of your mouth. The team will then numb the local area to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process. The decayed part of the tooth will gently be removed so the space can be cleaned. We will then add a strong, tooth-colored filling material to the space. This composite resin material appears lifelike and can be bonded to many surfaces. It is also highly durable, so you can eat your favorite foods and continue your regular oral hygiene routine without any worries. When the procedure is complete, you can return to your normal activities. The team will give you specific aftercare instructions to ensure the filling sets properly.
Come In For Your Checkups
One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to practice a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist biannually. Your at-home oral hygiene routine can help remove bacteria and food particles from throughout the day. You can use your dental checkup and cleaning to remove plaque, check for cavities, and address other oral hygiene concerns.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
Our restorative treatment options can help improve your oral health. To learn more about dental fillings and our other services, call our Rochester, MN, team today at 507-281-3659.
