Skipping trips to the dentist and slacking on your oral hygiene routine may lead to cavities forming in your mouth. Without proper treatment, these can continue to spread into a worse problem and cause a lot of pain to you. At Lathrop Dental in Katy, TX we use fillings to prevent the worsening of a cavity.
This allows us to get the decayed part of the tooth out of your mouth, and replace it with a material that seals off the site and stops bacteria from being able to get in. This slows down the process of decay in your mouth. We know that dental work can cause a lot of uneasy feelings for many of our patients, so we’re here to tell you what to expect during this treatment so you can be at ease!
Read more: Filling A Tooth Can Restore Your SmileHow Cavities Are Filled
Before the treatment, your dentist will examine you at your next appointment. If you regularly visit the dentist, they may be able to notice early signs of decay. We can prevent further decay through fluoride treatments and consistent brushing and flossing.
If the dentist is not able to see these early signs- like if you skip your dentist appointments- then they may suggest this treatment. Depending on your dental provider, you may be able to get this on the same day or you may have to schedule another appointment.
When it’s time to get the filling, the dentist will apply local anesthesia to the area. This helps you be comfortable during the treatment. Then, the dentist will go in and remove the decaying part of the tooth.
Fillings can be made of different materials. The filling you get depends on your dentist and what you need. The most common types are composite, silver amalgam, and ceramic. These will match the color of your teeth and no one else will be able to notice!
After the tooth is filled, the dentist will polish the tooth to ensure that you feel comfortable when you bite down.
What To Do After The Treatment
Avoid drinking or eating for a few hours after your filling. Some preventive measures you can take to reduce needing fillings in the future are a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist twice a year. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing allow you to get sugar from foods off your teeth that can grow cavity-causing bacteria from plaque buildup. Visiting your dentist regularly is a way for them to examine your teeth closer than you can.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
To prevent needing more invasive procedures down the line, make sure to get your cavity taken care of today! Call us at Lathrop Dental in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 to schedule your appointment.
