Do you have pain in a tooth, or discomfort when you eat or drink? If so, this could potentially indicate the presence of a cavity. But don’t worry, we can help! In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about the signs you need a filling, and how we place one in a single visit.
The Causes of a Cavity
How does a cavity form in your smile? The outside of your tooth is coated in enamel, the strongest substance in the human body. But if factors develop that weaken and erode the enamel, this could allow bacteria to reach the interior structures, causing painful cavities and without treatment, leading to infections that could threaten the stability of the tooth itself.
These factors could include a diet high in sugar and starch and poor brushing and floss habits. These actions (or lack thereof) could lead to plaque buildup, which coats the teeth and weakens outer enamel to make the onset of tooth decay possible. Injury to the tooth or chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) could also be responsible for discomfort and complications.
Warning Signs of Tooth Decay
When you begin to notice tooth sensitivity when you eat and drink, or a toothache that forms and doesn’t subside after a day or two, then you need or see our team for treatment. These could indicate the possible presence of a cavity, and we can examine the tooth with digital x-rays to find out if this is the case. If so, we can plan treatment, and could offer relief with a filling in only one visit.
Fillings in One Visit
Our team will of course numb the tooth to ensure you are cozy. If you have a fear of the dentist or special needs that complicate your ability to undergo care, we could even discuss sedation to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed the entire time. We then remove the decay from the tooth and clean it. Our team will prepare the filling material, a special composite resin that is metal-free and shaded to offer a natural appearance. Our team will apply this in several layers, and then reshape the tooth as the material cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a bright smile!
If you have any questions about how we treat a cavity in one visit with a dental filling, ensuring better comfort and a natural-looking appearance, then contact our team today to learn more. You deserve a comfortable and healthy smile, and we are ready to help you!
Call Dr. Robert Browne, D.D.S. for Restorative Dentistry
A filling is a great way to stop tooth decay and keep your smile strong. To find out more about stopping tooth decay, or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Robert M. Browne, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 901-8585.
