Why do our teeth sometimes need to have a filling placed? Simply put, we use them to treat cases of tooth decay and prevent a tooth from becoming infected or suffering further discomfort. In today’s blog, your Richfield, MN, dentist will explain how we create and place a filling, and how to recognize the warning signs of tooth decay.
The Dangers of Cavities
When you have a persistent toothache, or tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, this could mean the presence of a cavity. Tooth decay occurs when the outer enamel is compromised and bacteria makes contact with the inner dentin, a sensitive material. The enamel is strong, but could become chipped or cracked due to injury or teeth grinding. In addition, poor oral hygiene habits and a diet high in sugar and starch is a recipe for plaque buildup and enamel erosion, which also leads to cavities. Unless treated, the decay will eventually make contact with your inner pulp, leading to painful infections that may compromise your tooth down the road. Treatment helps protect your smile from worsening pain or even tooth loss!
Placing a Filling
We begin by examining your smile with advanced digital technology. If we find a cavity, our team will then administer a numbing agent and remove all decay for the tooth. Afterward, we prepare the material and then place it in several layers. As we cure the composite resin under a light, the dentist can shape and mold your tooth. The final step involves polishing the tooth for a more attractive appearance. The entire process only takes one visit and helps safeguard your smile from further complications!
The Benefits of Composite Resin
While effective, metal amalgam restorations contain trace amounts of mercury, making them unsafe for young children, elderly people, or pregnant women, not to mention those with metal allergies. They also stand out against the rest of your tooth structure. However, if we create a filling with composite resin, we have only made from a blend of glass and acrylic, completely free of all metals. Not only are they safe for people of all ages, but they are long-lasting and we can color-match them to blend with your smile completely. If you have a more severe case of decay, we could also provide a solution with a custom-made crown that blends with the smile as well. If you have any questions about how we diagnose or prevent cavities, or about creating and placing a lifelike filling, then contact our team today.
Your Richfield, MN Dentist’s Office Offers Cosmetic Restorations
At our Richfield, MN dentist’s office, our team wants to help treat your cavities and infections. To find out more about our approach to cosmetic dental restorations, then please call Cedar West Family Dentistry at (612) 861-7188.
