Did your “sweet” tooth ache with pain the last time you tried to enjoy a seasonal latte or a freshly baked sugar cookie? If so, you may be suffering from a cavity. Cavities can be formed by an abundance of sugar in a diet, a lack of dental hygiene, weak teeth due to genetics, or a combination of a number of factors. However, the treatment is often the same. In many cases, a simple dental filling can help to save a cavity-ridden tooth and restore a patient’s oral health. So if you’re tired of suffering when you do want to indulge in the occasional sweet treat, it’s time to call your restorative dentist.
Ways to Cope with Cavities
While fillings used to primarily be made of metal, now most dentists offer a more esthetically-pleasing alternative, often called tooth-colored fillings. Composite resin is made to match teeth’s natural shade, bonds well with teeth, and can be hardened and even polished to create a durable and beautiful for of restoration after a cavity.
In some cases, particularly if a cavity was very deep, the dentist may also recommend a dental crown to help further protect the tooth from wear, decay or infection. Fortunately, porcelain crowns can also be made to closely match a person’s natural smile, so that no one has to know you’ve had dental work completed.
Of course, one of the most important parts of responding to a cavity is preventing future dental problems. This can be done by eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet, brushing and flossing your teeth daily, and attending regular preventive checkups and cleanings, which can help to remove plaque buildup, drastically reducing your chance of dental issues like cavities.
