Have you been forced to sacrifice your daily cup of coffee, lately, because when you take a sip you feel a twinge of pain? Does that pain feel isolated to a single tooth? If so, you may be suffering from a dental cavity, a form of decay, which can damage a tooth and eventually lead to infection. To prevent worsening issues, including pain, you should schedule an appointment with your restorative dentist at the first sign of trouble. Most cavities can be treated with a simple dental filling, which is a durable and beautiful way to prevent further decay, particularly if you seek treatment quickly.
What Can a Modern Dental Filling Do for You?
After first examining your mouth, and then thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the affected tooth, a restorative dentist can then apply a dental filling. While these were once predominantly metal, many dentists now prefer the esthetic and functional benefits of composite resin, often called tooth-colored fillings, instead.
The resin material can be made to closely match your existing teeth’s shade, and then carefully sculpted to create a seamless form of restoration. And because the resin bonds well with the teeth, it provides an excellent seal from particles, which could lead to an infection, which is the cause for root canal treatment.
Another benefit of choosing tooth-colored fillings is that they are safe for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.
How to Proceed After Treatment?
Of course, after receiving smile-saving restorative treatment, it is important to talk to your dentist about how to carefully protect your smile in the future. This includes regular dental hygiene, at home, but also regular six-months checkups in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy moving forward!