When a person experiences a toothache, this could mean the presence of a cavity. Tooth decay requires treatment to prevent worsening cavities and infection. In order to stop the progression of the decay, your Richfield, MN, dentist may suggest a filling, which we create using a metal-free and lifelike material, and which we can place in one visit!
Why Does My Tooth Hurt?
When you see us for routine visits, we can often identify the presence of a cavity in the earliest possible stages. Otherwise, you may not know you have tooth decay until you develop tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or a persistent toothache that grows worse with time. A cavity forms when the protective layer of outer enamel is weakened via poor oral hygiene, eroding and exposing the inner layers of dentin. An injury such as a crack or chip could also impact your dentin. The decay then forms and will grow worse with time, spreading through the tooth and causing discomfort. Unless treated, the growing decay could lead to a painful infection that may eventually threaten the stability of your tooth!
Treating Your Cavities
To prevent infection and halt your toothache, we will remove the decay from your tooth and thoroughly clean it. We then prepare the filling material, a material-free mixture of glass and plastic compounds that can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. After applying the material, we sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite resin material cures under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. The entire visit only takes one visit to complete and helps protect your smile from serious complications. To avoid future cavities, be sure you brush and floss daily, and also see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Your Lifelike Filling
The composite resin material can be shaded to match the color of your tooth, ensuring a lifelike appearance. No one will be able to tell your tooth has even been treated. For more serious cases of tooth decay, we can also place a crown designed to match surrounding teeth and blend seamlessly. Just because you have an oral health concern doesn’t mean treatment will have a negative impact on your smile’s appearance. If you have any questions about treating cavities, then please contact our team today. We can help you enjoy a healthier smile!
Does Your Smile Need Restorative Care?
If you have a cavity, then you need a dental restoration to help protect your smile from infection or even tooth loss. We have lifelike restorations available to help return your smile to optimal health, function, and beauty, often in just one visit. To find out more about restorative dental care, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
