Tooth Hurts? Time For A Filling!
Do you have a tooth that hurts? Persistent aches could often be a sign of a cavity, and one that needs a treatment soon to avoid cavities. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about how we address cavities with a lifelike and metal-free dental filling, and in only one visit! We’re also offering a few tips to avoid the onset of tooth decay.
Toothaches and Cavities
How does a cavity form in the smile? The teeth are protected by a durable layer of tooth enamel. Which coats the teeth and protects the sensitive inner structures from exposure to harmful oral bacteria. But an injury, teeth grinding, or even poor oral health habits, such as a diet high in sugar and improper brushing and flossing habits, could lead to plaque buildup and weakened enamel. As a cavity forms, it will spread throughout the tooth and eventually cause tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, and a persistent toothache. Care is then needed to avoid the onset of dental infection. When you have persistent pain in a tooth, please let us know right away.
Placing a Dental Filling
When you arrive, we will take a close look at your smile with advanced digital technology. This enables us to assess the position, cause, and extent of the decay, so we can choose the most appropriate treatment option. For many, this will involve a dental filling. We begin by numbing the tooth to keep you comfortable, and then removing any decay from it. We then apply the filling material in several layers. Instead of metal, we use a lifelike composite resin we shade to blend with the tooth. As we sculpt the tooth, we cure this material under a light, and then polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. The entire process only takes one sitting to complete!
Avoiding Tooth Decay
We also have a few steps you can take to avoid the onset of tooth decay. For example, make time to brush and floss daily to remove stray food particles and reduce the severity of plaque buildup. You also help with healthier food and drink choices, cutting back on items high in sugar and starch. Our team also recommends a checkup and cleaning visit every six months, in which we examine the teeth and also remove all plaque buildup. This helps fight cavities, as well as periodontal issues too.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Cavities?
Our team is eager to help bring relief and restore your smile. If you have any questions about addressing tooth decay, or if you would like to schedule a consultation today, please contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.