Cavities impact smiles of all ages, from kids to adults, and regardless of age, treatment is crucial to avoid discomfort and infection. When we treat a cavity, we do so with a lifelike filling. In today’s blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist talks about how we plan and place our lifelike composite resin dental fillings.
The Causes of Tooth Decay
What causes a cavity to form? First, each tooth is mainly comprised of dentin, a sensitive structure that is protected by the outer enamel, a strong and durable layer that coats the teeth. Cavities happen when the enamel is compromised and the sensitive exposed to harmful oral bacteria. This could be caused by issues like cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, or structures worn down due to teeth grinding. The most common cause is enamel erosion due to plaque buildup, itself a byproduct of a diet high in sugar and poor brushing and flossing habits. When cavities form, you may initially notice your teeth feel sore when you eat or drink. As the decay increases in severity, you could develop a toothache that lasts for more than a day or two. At this stage treatment is crucial to avoid infection and the risk of tooth loss!
Our Composite Resin Fillings
Our team can offer an alternative to traditional metal fillings. The metal-free composite resin we use is very durable and is safe for patients of all ages. The material can be shaded to blend with the rest of your smile too! To begin, we will numb the tooth to keep you comfortable while we remove decay and clean the outer structure. We then prepare and place the filling material, sculpting and melding the tooth while the composite resin cures. The last step is to polish the tooth. In one visit we halt tooth decay and bring relief to your smile. The same material can also be used in our dental bonding procedures to mask common cosmetic imperfections.
Preventing Cavities
You can improve your oral hygiene routine to help lower the risk of tooth decay. For example, we suggest brushing and flossing each day to remove stray food and drink particles, which helps lower the risk of plaque buildup and enamel erosion. Be sure you see us for a cleaning every six months so our team can remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. Also, try to cut back on the sugar in your diet. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Schedule An Appointment for a Restoration From Our Team Today
Our team wants to offer results that look natural and help protect your smile. To find out if you benefit from one of our custom dental restorations, call Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today by calling (402)330-2243.
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