When you have a cavity, we have a cosmetic treatment option. Our dental fillings not only stop decay and bring relief, but they also look natural and blend with your smile. We can even place them in only one visit! In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist talks about how we treat cavities with a custom dental restoration.
When Does a Tooth Need Restoration?
Tooth decay can be caused by factors that weaken the outer enamel and expose the sensitive inner portions of dentin to harmful bacteria. Causes include injuries that chip or crack the outer enamel, or wear them down, such as teeth grinding. A diet high in sugar and starch provides meals for harmful bacteria, allowing plaque buildup to coat the teeth as a result and weakening the enamel. With regular checkups we will identify decay in the earliest stages of enamel erosion. Otherwise, you may not know until you develop tooth sensitivity and toothaches, at which means the risk of an infection has increased!
Dental Fillings
Using digital imaging technology, we will provide a thorough examination and if we discover decay, we can treat the issue with a dental filling. Instead of using metal, we opt for composite resin, a metal-free option safe for all ages, and crafted from a blend of acrylic and glass-like particles. We color-match this to blend with the rest of the tooth. We first administer a local anesthetic and then remove decay. We apply the material after cleaning the tooth, and sculpt the tooth as this material cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. We want you to smile with confidence again!
Preventive Treatment
Cavities can also be avoided with regular care at home and in our office. For example, you should cut back on sugary and starchy foods, which feed the bacteria behind enamel erosion and decay. You should also brush and floss daily to remove trapped food particles and prevent plaque buildup from growing worse. Be sure to see us every six months for a cleaning too, in which we remove all plaque and tartar and polish the smile. These actions not only help fight cavities, but also allow you to avoid gingivitis, gum disease, and even bad breath and teeth stains.
If you have any questions about how we treat a cavity with a lifelike dental filling, or about how to avoid the onset of a cavity, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team is eager to offer treatment and protect your smile from danger. If you have any questions about our solutions for tooth decay, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact your Richfield, MN, dentist, Dr. Keller, by calling (612) 861-7188.
