When you develop a cavity, our team could recommend a dental filling for treatment. This lifelike and biocompatible restoration can address tooth decay to keep your smile comfortable and healthy. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist explains how we treat a case of tooth decay in only one visit!
The Need for Dental Fillings
Cavities can develop in smiles of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens and adults. They form when harmful oral bacteria reach the sensitive inner layers of dentin, the soft structure making up most of your tooth. The enamel typically prevents this from happening, but injury, teeth grinding, or poor oral hygiene habits that create plaque buildup can weaken and erode the outer enamel. As bacteria move beyond this protective layer and into the dentin, cavities form. The decay then requires treatment to prevent the onset of a dental infection.
Warning Signs of a Cavity
You should always be aware of changes to your smile. If you have tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a toothache that persists for more than a day, then you need to see us right away. These aches could mean cavities are in the more advanced stages, threatening the stability of your smile and the risk of infection. If you attend checkup and cleaning visits every six months, then you have an advantage, as we can identify the earliest signs of developing decay, before you even experience discomfort.
Our Composite Resin Dental Fillings
Our team doesn’t use metal to treat cavities. Instead, we use a metal-free filling material known as composite resin. This blends glass-like and acrylic-like particles, which can be shaded to blend with the tooth and offer a more lifelike appearance. We even use the same material in our dental bonding procedure to address cosmetic concerns and repair damage.
When you’re ready for treatment, we will numb your tooth and then gently remove all decay before we clean the tooth and etch portions of the surface. Our team then prepares and places the material in several layers. We sculpt the material and shape the tooth to ensure a balanced bite. Once the filling material cures beneath a tooth, we will polish the tooth. In one visit, we treat your cavity and preserve your tooth!
If you have any questions about how we treat concerns like tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more. We’re ready to stop discomfort and save your tooth!
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Provides Treatment for a Cavity
Our team wants to help you enjoy a smile free of infection or premature tooth loss. For more information on treating your tooth decay, then call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule a visit.
