Stopping Your Decay With A Filling

cleveland tooth decay

A dental filling doesn’t have to be metal. We can actually treat cavities and stop discomfort with one designed to blend with your tooth! In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will discuss how we can treat a cavity in only one visit, with a safe and lifelike filling that helps kids and adults alike.

The Dangers of an Untreated Cavity

A cavity could be the result of a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, or lack of proper brushing and flossing habits. A cavity forms when harmful bacteria make contact with the sensitive inner dentin, which is usually protected enamel. The cavity will grow and spread with time, leading to tooth sensitivity and eventually, a painful toothache. Without treatment, the risk of an infection or abscess could rise as well. For some, this discomfort could eventually lead to the spread of infection to other parts of the smile and the loss of your tooth! When you experience persistent pain, then let us know right away.

Dental Fillings

We start with a thorough exam using digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can provide a diagnosis Wirth precision and accuracy. The images let us identify the presence of decay, and to assess the severity. From there, we can decide on the best course of treatment. For most cavities, we will place a filling. We start by administering a local anesthetic, and then removing decay from the tooth. We clean it thoroughly, and place the filling material. Instead of metal, we use a composite resin that is safe for all ages and that can be color-matched to blend with your tooth!

The dentist will sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. In one visit, we treat your cavity and bring relief!

Can I Prevent Cavities?

Preventing cavities is possible with daily care. People of all ages need to brush when they wake up and once more before bed, for at least two minutes. Flossing before bed is vital too. Cutting back in sugary foods and drinks is helpful, as is seeing us for a checkup and cleaning every six months. Consider scheduling a visit now to undergo care before the busy holiday season starts, and so you can use your remaining 2021 dental insurance benefits. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today to learn more.

Do You Have Questions About Treating Tooth Decay?

We want to offer restoration that blends with your tooth structure. If you would like to discuss options for treating tooth decay, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.