A cavity may seem minor, but unless treated this minor oral health issue could lead to serious pain, and the risk of infection and even tooth loss. In order to repair cavities and protect your smile from pain and missing teeth, we may suggest a single-visit treatment known as a dental filling. Let’s look at how a filling can help Houston, TX, smiles in one visit.
How do you know if you have a cavity that needs attention? If you begin to experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or if you have a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day, then this could potentially indicate a cavity in the advanced stage. Ignoring this issue would allow an infection to develop, leading to more severe pain and requiring more substantial treatment. If you attend six-month checkups and cleanings, then we often identify cavities before you begin to experience serious discomfort.
What can be done to prevent cavities from forming? To start, try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, which leave behind particles to feed harmful bacteria and increase the risk of cavities. Be sure you brush your teeth for two minutes using a toothpaste that contains fluoride after you wake up, and again before bed. We also suggest flossing between each tooth, going up and down the side of every one of them. A routine cleaning every six months to remove plaque buildup can also help you avoid the onset of tooth decay.
If you do have a cavity, then we may suggest a filling to treat the problem in just one visit. To begin, we will need to remove the decay from the tooth and then thoroughly clean it. We then prepare the composite resin material, which is a metal-free mixture of glass and acrylic particles. We can shade this material to better match the color of the tooth. We apply the material in several layers and then sculpt the tooth as we cure the composite resin under a light. The final step involves polishing the tooth to offer a more lifelike appearance. In just one visit we can help you avoid the need for a future root canal. If you have any questions about our fillings, or if you have a tooth that aches, then contact our team today. Let’s treat the source of your discomfort and improve your smile’s health and function.
We would love to help you enjoy a whole, healthy, and attractive smile with lifelike dental restorations. To learn more about our single-visit treatment options, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.
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