Even when you follow a good oral hygiene routine, cavities can still occur. All patients will have at least one cavity in their life. Although this problem is quite common, it is important to treat decay as early as possible so that it does not progress into something more severe. Dr. Browne and his team in Prairie Village, Kansas, offer biocompatible fillings that blend in with your smile and protect your pearly whites against further damage. In today’s blog, we are here to explain the process of this restoration.
Read more: Natural-Looking Fillings Repair CavitiesDetecting Tooth Decay
Symptoms such as discomfort or sensitivity when eating, a change in the texture or discoloration can be indicators of a cavity. At your checkup and cleaning, your dentist will examine you for cavities. If this is caught in the beginning stages, you may be able to reverse it with fluoride treatments and good oral hygiene. However, if the decay has progressed further, it will need to be treated with a filling.
Filling A Tooth
This will be done in a separate appointment from your cleaning. First, the area surrounding the tooth will be numbed for your comfort. Once the numbing has been set, the dentist will use a drill to gently remove the decayed portion. Then, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Biocompatible composite resin will be used to fill the tooth. Lastly, it will be sealed and polished.
After this, you will need to wait at least thirty minutes to eat or drink. To prevent cavities in the future, make sure to brush and floss twice a day, limit high-sugar or acidic foods, and see your dentist twice a year. These checkups are valuable because decay can be caught in the early stages.
If You Put Off Restorations
Cavities progress in stages. When the cavity deteriorates the enamel, it will continue to enter and break down your dentin, and then the pulp. This can cause severe toothaches and may make it difficult to chew. To save the tooth at this stage, a root canal may be necessary.
This treatment often has a negative connotation, but it can relieve the side effects of severe tooth decay and repair the area. After the dentist has examined the cavity, you may be sedated, or the area will be numbed. The area will be cleaned before the damaged part of the pulp is removed. This layer of the tooth contains tissues and nerves, which is why decay this deep can cause pain. Lastly, it will be filled, and a crown will be placed on top.
Do Not Put Off A Filling
If you need to treat a cavity, do not put this restoration off. To schedule an appointment, , reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dental office at (913) 901-8585.
