Depressed caucasian ill man in white t'shirt having toothache and touching cheek. He is in bed at home
When you have an aching tooth, this could mean tooth decay. Lack of treatments could mean that discomfort grows worse, and that your tooth could develop a painful infection too. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX, dentist talks about how we diagnose cavities, and then treat them with a lifelike dental filling.
A cavity means that harmful bacteria can reach the inner layers of dentin. This is possible when poor oral hygiene causes plaque buildup, which weakens and erodes the outer enamel. Or the cause could be related to an injury or teeth grinding. Over time, the decay will grow in severity and spread throughout the tooth. Soon, you could experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a persistent toothache that doesn’t subside after a day or two. If you have persistent pain, then your cavity has reached a more advanced stage. Treatment is now crucial to avoid the onset of a dental infection.
When you see our team for an exam, we will use digital technology to assess the location and severity of your cavity. If we think a filling is the right choice, we will numb the tooth and remove decay from the tooth. We then thoroughly clean it and apply the composite resin material. This is metal-free and can be shaded to blend with your smile seamlessly. The material is also safe for patients of all ages, from kids to adults.
We shape and sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a special light. Next, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. The entire process only takes one appointment to complete, and helps prevent the onset of infection.
Your family can also take steps to reduce the risk of cavities! To control plaque buildup, cut back on foods and drinks high in starch and sugar. Be sure everyone is brushing their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing every evening. This reduces the severity of buildup until we can see you for one of your six-month checkup and cleaning visits. The exam lets us uncover the earliest signs of decay, treating the tooth before you experience discomfort. The cleaning removes all plaque and tartar from the tooth to protect the enamel (and the gum health too).
If you have any questions about treating or preventing tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more.
Our team wants to help you avoid infection or tooth loss due to an untreated cavity! To find out more about how we treat issues like tooth decay, then contact your Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Chan, by calling 713-926-8896.
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