When you regularly attend dental checkups and exams every six months, your dentist can detect threats to the health of your smile. At each visit, in addition to professionally cleaning your teeth, they check your mouth closely for the signs of any new oral problem. One of the most common dental conditions they find are cavities. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates that over eighty percent of people will have had one by age 34. This permanent damage to the enamel develops into tiny openings that expand over time, causing even further harm if not addressed promptly. At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, we can examine the state of your smile and recommend proper treatment if you are suffering from the effects of tooth decay. After treating any existing caries, we will work closely with you to teach strategies to prevent future decay and maintain strong teeth.
The Importance Of Timely Treatment
Identifying a cavity early in its development can allow for a more conservative treatment to protect your tooth’s function and maintain its appearance. Plaque deposits form when we eat a diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates, because the bacteria that produce caries thrive on these materials. The bacteria produce acids which continually damage the surface of your tooth. When we skip routine cleanings and examinations or are lax on our daily brushing and flossing schedule, this damage can progress further than when identified early on. Failure to seek treatment may result in the breaking or total loss of a natural tooth that could have been preserved with earlier treatment. Therefore, you must prioritize attending regular appointments to stop tooth decay before it becomes worse.
Dental Fillings Stop The Spread Of Decay
Your dentist is often able to repair the damage to your tooth with a discreet filling. First, they will apply a numbing agent to the affected area and remove the bacteria and damaged material in the underlying structure. They will then fill the hole with a substance that supports the function of the tooth. Our office prefers to use a tooth-colored composite resin that restores the natural appearance of your smile as well. When the damage is too extensive to be treated by a filling alone, we can identify if a dental crown or other restorative treatment is more appropriate.
Talk To Your Prairie Village, KS Dentist About Fixing Your Cavities!
Through proper treatment for your dental decay at our practice, we can prevent potentially serious complications to your oral health from further developing. Depending on the health of your tooth at the time of your appointment, we will recommend different solutions to preserve your smile. If you would like to find out more about how we can take care of you, please contact our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office today at 913-901-8585.
