If you have pain in one of your teeth, and it doesn’t subside after a few hours, then you may need treatment. To bring relief and halt the decay, your Brighton, MA, dentists may suggest a filling created from lifelike and metal-free composite resin. We’re also looking at what you can do to prevent future cavities.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
A cavity is possible when harmful oral bacteria make contact with the dentin, the inner tooth structure that is much more sensitive than the outer enamel. Typically, the outer enamel prevents this from happening, but injury or poor oral hygiene could weaken and compromise the enamel, enabling an access for bacteria. The cavity will grow and spread with time, so treatment is crucial to prevent major complications, such as a painful infection or abscess.
Warning Signs
For people attending routine checkups and cleanings every six months, we will likely uncover a cavity in the earliest stages of demineralization, treating it before you experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until the later stages, at which point the tooth could develop sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or a toothache could arise that doesn’t subside after several hours. If you have persistent sensitivity and aches, please let us know right away.
Treatment with a Lifelike Filling
If we discover you do in fact have a cavity, we will administer a local anesthetic and then remove all decay for the tooth. We will next clean and etch the surface before applying the composite resin. A blend of glass and acrylic, this metal-free material can be shaded to blend with the tooth, creating a lifelike repair in only one sitting. The next step involves sculpting and molding the tooth while we cure the composite resin under a light. We then polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance.
Future Homecare
To prevent further cases of tooth decay, be sure you see us every six months for a checkup so we can keep an eye out for demineralization. We also clean your teeth in the same visit, removing all plaque and tartar to prevent enamel erosion. At home, be sure you brush and floss daily to remove trapped food particles that could cause plaque buildup. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks is helpful as well! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Tooth Decay?
Our team would like to help you gain relief from cavity-related discomfort with a lifelike restoration. To learn more about treating dental cavities then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Cambridge, Brookline, and all surrounding communities.
