A combination of being unable to see the dentist for several months, and staying home and snacking, may mean you have an aching tooth. Often, a persistent toothache means a cavity is present, one that needs treatment to prevent the onset of infection. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentist look at how we treat cavities with a filling that looks completely natural!
Do I Have a Cavity?
When you attend routine six-month visits, we will examine your smile and have an opportunity to identify issues like tooth decay in the earliest possible stages. Otherwise, you may not know you need treatment until the issue reaches the later stages, at which point you begin to experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Treatment is then crucial, as a cavity in the later stages means a higher risk of infection or abscess!
Creating Fillings That Look Natural
When we examine your smile and identify the presence of a cavity, we will administer local anesthetic and then remove decay for the tooth. We then clean the tooth thoroughly and apply the filling material. Instead of using metal, we opt for a metal-free blend of glass and acrylic known as composite resin, which we can shade to match the color of surrounding teeth. After we apply the material, we cure the composite resin as we shape the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. The entire process only takes one visit, and offers a natural appearance. Treatment then prevents the onset of future complications, such as a painful infection.
What’s Next for My Smile?
Following treatment, we suggest making positive changes to your daily routine to help lower the risks of future cavities. Start by cutting back on sugary foods and drinks which leaves behind particles for harmful bacteria to consume. The process of breaking down these particles creates plaque buildup, which weakens and erodes outer enamel. You should also take steps to remove trapped food particles. Brush your teeth in the morning and again at night for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss before bed too! Finally, make time to see us for a checkup and cleaning to monitor your smile and remove plaque buildup. If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating cavities, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Cavity Treatment?
Our team wants to make sure your smile doesn’t suffer from poor oral health due to untreated cavities. To learn more about restorative dental care, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brookline, Newton, and all surrounding communities.
