Tooth decay is no joke. This condition can compound its negative effects over time and create a serious problem for your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Tooth decay is the product of bacterial infection. When the bacteria in your mouth aggregate on the surfaces of your teeth, they begin to grow. As they grow, they produce acid that wears down your dental enamel, eventually forming a cavity. To repair your cavity, your dentist will typically use a dental filling. Dental fillings restore tooth structure and act like a reset button for the health of your tooth.
Dental Fillings Rebuild the Structural Integrity of Your Tooth
Your tooth is coated in an outer enamel layer that is strong and durable. This structure allows you to chew food, and it keeps your teeth vital over time. While enamel is very durable, it can still be worn down by the activity of bacteria. When your enamel is weakened and a cavity forms, bacteria fill that cavity. They will continue working away at your tooth’s structure until you address the problem. By removing infection, sanitizing your cavity, and filling it, your dentist can rebuild the structural integrity that allows your tooth to function.
Dental Resin is Strong and Cosmetically Pleasing
A number of different materials can be used to fill cavities. In the past, metal amalgam was often used. This material is strong and durable, but it’s not the most malleable when poured. It also stands out in a set of white teeth. Dental resin is another material option. Dental resin is also strong and durable, and it contours to your cavity more accurately as it’s poured. Dental resin is also treated to be tooth-colored, so it won’t stand out after it’s placed. Fillings made with dental resin check both functional and cosmetic boxes.
It’s Always Better to Prevent Dental Cavities
Dental fillings can be used to repair the holes created by tooth decay, but it’s always better to prevent those holes in the first place. Preventive dental care doesn’t require a bunch of elaborate steps; it’s all about consistency. If you brush your teeth thoroughly, twice a day, you will disrupt much of the bacteria formation on the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing allows you to reach surfaces that the toothbrush cannot. Finally, making biannual visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings allows them to check and make sure cavities aren’t forming.
Choose Cedar Dental for Preventive and Restorative Care
If your teeth have developed cavities, or you simply haven’t seen the dentist in a year or more, schedule an appointment at Cedar Dental. We will evaluate your teeth and make plans for restorative treatment if necessary. Treating your cavities early leads to the best possible results. Schedule an appointment at Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by calling our office at 319-364-7108.
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