Tooth decay and cavities are common, and there aren't many adults out there who haven't had at least one. Visiting Addison Grove Dental for your routine dental exams and cleanings will allow us to diagnose cavities as they develop and repair them using dental fillings. That will prevent the condition from progressing and requiring more invasive procedures, such as root canal therapy.
How Do Cavities Develop?
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that continuously forms on the teeth, especially if you frequently consume sugary and starchy foods and beverages. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, which results in tiny holes called cavities. Unfortunately, once a cavity forms, the damage to your tooth enamel is permanent, and the only way to restore your tooth to its health and avoid the progression of the decay is to repair it using a dental filling.
What Are The Symptoms of Cavities?
The most common symptoms of cavities are tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and visible openings or discoloration on the surfaces of teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to contact us right away.
What Types of Dental Fillings Does Addison Grove Dental Use?
There are various types of dental fillings, the one preferred in the Addison Grove Dental office is composite fillings.
Composite Resin Fillings: Composites or tooth-colored fillings are made of a combination of powdered glass and acrylic resin. They are customized to resemble the color of your natural teeth for aesthetic results. Composite fillings are best suited for small to mid-sized cavities in teeth that withstand moderate chewing pressure. If cavities do become larger in size, then crowns will have to be done in order to ensure proper aesthetics and function.
What Is The Dental Filling Procedure?
The first thing we will do is administer local anesthesia or a numbing agent for your comfort. In a sterile environment, the decayed part of the tooth is removed and placed with a composite filling. We use a curing light to harden your dental filling.
Cavity Filling Aftercare
Refrain from consuming hard and sticky foods for at least 24 hours after the procedure to avoid cracking or dislodging your filling. Contact our office right away if you have prolonged tooth sensitivity, if there's a visible crack in the filling, if you feel a sharp edge, or if part of your filling is missing.
Make sure you maintain proper oral hygiene practices after getting your cavity filled. That means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Addison Grove Dental twice a year for your routine dental exams and cleanings.
