Why We Use Dental Fillings To Treat Cavities

Cavities can affect patients of all ages, even when you do your best to prevent it. While biannual checkups and cleanings can help reduce your chances of a cavity forming, almost everyone will have one at some point in their life. When one forms, it’s important that it is detected and treated swiftly to prevent significant damage to your smile. Today, your Audubon, IA, dentist talks about dental fillings.

Cavities Form Holes In Your Tooth

You may have gotten a cavity before, but do you know exactly what that means? Bacteria in your mouth can harden into plaque and wear away your tooth, forming a hole in it. When this happens, your enamel can be damaged and unfortunately this layer cannot be regrown. This may cause your teeth to feel sensitive when eating certain foods. Decay does not happen overnight, but rather in stages. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist regularly for a checkup. The act of brushing and flossing can help remove food particles from throughout the day, and consistent checkups can detect signs of decay early.

Detect And Treat Decay Early

At home oral hygiene can help prevent plaque from hardening onto the surfaces of your teeth. Biannual checkups also help reduce your chances of a cavity. During your checkup, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished, so bacteria has a hard time sticking to your pearly whites. Then your smile will be examined for signs of cavities and other concerns. Enamel erosion may be noticed through a change in color, texture, or sensitivity of your tooth. If a full cavity has formed, a dental filling can be done to restore the area. This process involves removing the decayed part of your dental structure, cleaning the space, and adding material to the remaining area. We offer composite resin fillings that blend in and don’t require as much removal of your natural tooth.

When Decay Is Left Untreated

It’s important that tooth decay is addressed as soon as it is found. You may be tempted to put off restorations if they do not seem urgent, but this can lead to the cavity worsening and potentially causing serious damage. If the decay reaches your pulp, a root canal may be required instead. This process is more invasive than a filling and is used to help treat serious cavities or infections. If this is not done, the only other option would be to have your tooth removed to protect your smile from an infection.

Don’t Put Off This Restoration

If you have a cavity, prompt treatment can help protect your smile from significant damage. Call Audubon Dental Center in Audubon, IA, today at (712) 563-2659 to schedule an appointment.