When one of more teeth develop a cavity, this doesn’t just mean an occasional toothache. Without treatment, your smile could form severe infections or even suffer from tooth loss. To prevent these complications, you may need a filling. Fortunately, your Cedar Rapids, IA, dentist will explain how we treat cavities with a metal-free restoration.
When to Seek Treatment
How do you know if you have a cavity? Well, if you attend routine six-month checkup and cleaning visits, then as part of our exam we will identify the earliest stages of cavities. We can then recommend treatment before you experience common symptoms. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until the later stages, at which point the decay is severe and you develop sensitive teeth and toothaches. Care is especially crucial at this stage to prevent the onset of an infection or abscess.
Stopping Your Decay
When we take a close look at your smile, we will look for the earliest signs of demineralization, the enamel erosion that exposes the inner structure and allows a cavity to form. Cavities could also form as a result of an injury that cracks or chips a tooth, again exposing the sensitive inner layers of dentin.
Treatment starts with the administration of an anesthetic, ensuring you feel relaxed and comfortable during your visit. Next, we need to carefully remove all decay from the tooth. Once we do, we clean the tooth and dry it to prepare it for the filling. We apply a metal-free combination of glass and acrylic that we shade to match the rest of the tooth. The material is safe for people of all ages, and offers a lifelike repair. We sculpt the tooth and shape the material as we cure the area under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more natural look. The entire process only takes one visit, and helps restore the health, beauty, and function of your smile.
Preventing Future Decay
What can be done afterward to help lower the risk of future cavities? First, make sure you brush your teeth twice daily, in the morning and again at night, for about two minutes each session. Be sure you use a fluoride toothpaste too, as this helps strengthen the protective outer enamel. Be sure you floss every night too, as this removed what a toothbrush alone cannot. You also need to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, and make time to see us for an exam and cleaning twice a year!
Your Cedar Rapids Dentist Offers Lifelike Fillings
The team at Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA is ready to help provide a lifelike treatment for your cavities. Contact our office today at 319-364-7108 to learn how we treat minor and advanced cases of tooth decay.
Recent Comments