When cavities form, treatment is needed to stop worsening pain and even the chance of an infection or lost tooth. With a dental filling, we can offer a lifelike and metal-free solution, one safe for patients of all ages. In today’s blog, your Shrewsbury, MA, dentist talks about how we stop cavities by placing a dental filling.
The Causes of Dental Cavities
How does a tooth become decayed? A cavity means that the outer enamel has been weakened and the sensitive inner dentin has been exposed to bacteria, leading to tooth decay. This could be due to issues like bruxism (teeth grinding), injury to the tooth, or plaque buildup, which can weaken and erode enamel. Plaque is right on by issues like poor brushing and flossing, or even a diet high in sugar and starch. Once your tooth hurts, this means the decay has reached a more advanced state, and care is needed to avoid the onset of infection and the risk of losing the tooth altogether.
Our Lifelike Dental Fillings
Our team will start with a dental exam so that we can identify the position of the decay and assess the severity. If we find a filling is the right choice for you, then our team will numb the tooth to ensure you are comfortable. We then remove the decay from the tooth and clean it thoroughly. We may etch the outer surface too. Our team then applies the filling material in several layers. We use a metal-free composite resin that can be color-matched to blend with the rest of your tooth. Once in place, we will shape and sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. The last step is to polish your tooth for a brighter appearance. In a single sitting, we can transform your oral health and protect your tooth.
Preventing Tooth Decay
In addition to treating a cavity, we would like to help you avoid them altogether. We would love for you and your family to never need a filling! At home, be sure you brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss every evening before bed, and try to cut back on the sugar in your diet. We also urge you to see our team for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can remove plaque and tartar before it weakens your enamel and inflames your gums. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Learn More About Our Dental Restorations
Our team wants to help you avoid painful symptoms and infections by treating your cavities. To schedule a visit and stop your toothaches, call Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury, MA at (508) 842-8838 today.
