A toothache could be caused by changes in elevation, allergy issues, or even a chill in the air. But pain that persists for more than a day may mean you have a cavity! To stop a cavity and bring relief to you smile, we may suggest a filling. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will explain we how we create a filling that looks completely natural!
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
A cavity forms when the outer enamel is compromised, meaning it no longer protects the inner tooth structure from exposure to bacteria. Injury that cracks or chips a tooth could be responsible, and poor oral hygiene and high levels of sugar in your diet could mean plaque buildup, which weakens and erodes enamel too. Once a cavity forms and spreads through the tooth, the patients could begin to experience tooth sensitivity or a toothache. If you or a member of your family experiences a toothache that doesn’t pass after a few hours, then you should let us know right away! Without care, this could mean the eventual onset of a painful infection or abscess, which threatens the stability of your smile.
Treatment with a Filling
With a filling, we start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. We then remove the decay from the tooth and gently etch the surfaces. We prepare and place the filling material, which is a blend of glass an acrylic known as composite resin. We tint the material to ensure it blends with the rest of your tooth. We shape the tooth as we cure the composite resin with a light. The final step involves polishing the tooth for a more lifelike appearance.
Preventive Actions
Right now, you can take steps to help lower the risks of developing a cavity. For example, brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste when you wake up and again before bed for two minutes could help remove trapped food particles. You also need to floss every night before bed as well, as this reaches what a toothbrush alone cannot. A visit every six months for a checkup and cleaning helps too, as we can watch for the earliest warning signs of trouble, and then remove all plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device. Cutting back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks is beneficial too. If you have any questions about avoiding cavities, then contact our team today.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Provides Restorative Treatment
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, we want to help preserve your smile by addressing issues like tooth decay before complications arise. To find out more about restorative dentistry, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
