When you have a persistent toothache, then you likely have a cavity that needs immediate attention. To prevent the ache from becoming an infection that threatens tooth stability, you need a filling. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about how we place lifelike and biocompatible dental fillings.
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
How do you know if a tooth has a cavity? Well, if you attend six-month checkup and cleaning visits, then our team will likely identify the presence of decay in the earliest stages of demineralization, before you even experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not realize you need help until the later stages, at which your teeth could feel sensitive and ache. Lack of treatment at this stage means the tooth could easily become infected, which means worsening pain and the risk of tooth loss. When your teeth begin to ache, then see us right away so we can treat your cavity with a dental filling.
Placing Our Biocompatible Fillings
Our restorations don’t require metal, which makes them safe for patients of all ages. Instead, we use a composite resin material, one that binds acrylic-like and quartz-like particles. The material is biocompatible and durable, but can also be shaded to blend with your smile. The resulting restoration looks natural and prevents further discomfort in your smile. Placement is simple. Our team will first numb the tooth to keep you comfortable as we remove decay from the tooth and clean it thoroughly. We then prepare and place the biocompatible material in several layers. As we sculpt the tooth, we will cure the material beneath a special light. The last step is to polish your tooth for a brighter appearance. Placing a lifelike filling only takes one visit!
Protecting Your Smile
Moving forward, why not take steps to help prevent the onset of a cavity? You can start by brushing and flossing daily. You should brush in the morning and in the evening, using a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes. You also need to floss every evening, before you brush for the second time, to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks too, as these leave behind particles that feed harmful bacteria and cause the plaque buildup that weakens enamel.
If you have any questions about how you can avoid the onset of tooth decay, and how we can treat decay with a biocompatible, lifelike filling, then contact our team today.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Offers Restorative Dental Care
Our team can offer natural-looking solutions to your aching or decayed teeth. For more information on our approach to restorative dentistry, call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
