When you have a cavity, this could be a source of discomfort and even increase the risk of an infected tooth or possibly a missing one. But with a dental filling, our team can provide treatment to address cavities in only one sitting. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about how we place a filling.
The Signs of a Cavity
When should you see our team for a dental filling? If you attend a checkup and cleaning visit with our team, then we will be able to identify the cavity in the earliest stages of initial demineralization, before you experience painful symptoms. Otherwise, you may not realize you need a treatment until your tooth experiences sensitivity when you eat or drink, or when a toothache occurs that doesn’t subside after a day or two. When you have pain in a tooth, let us know so we can examine your smile to assess the severity of the cavity and to plan the treatment process.
The Placement of Dental Fillings
If we find you have a cavity that needs attention, then our team will numb the tooth to ensure you are comfortable as we place your dental filling. We then remove decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. We prepare the material, shading it to blend with your tooth. We apply the material in several layers, and then sculpt and mold the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance! In one visit, we offer relief and prevent your cavity from becoming an infection that could threaten smile stability.
Protecting Your Smile from Tooth Decay
You could also take steps to help lower the risk of a cavity. For example, you should brush for two minutes when you wake up and then again before bed, using a toothbrush with soft bristles. We also suggest a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel to fight cavities. Before bed each evening you also need to floss, as this removes the food and drink particles that a toothbrush alone cannot reach. Try to cut back on the amount of sugar and starch in your diet too, as this helps limit plaque buildup and protect your enamel from erosion. Finally, be sure you see our team for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months so we can monitor your smile and also remove harmful buildup that could otherwise weaken enamel to cause tooth decay.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat cavities with dental fillings, or if you have an aching tooth that needs attention, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy your best possible smile.
Ready for a New Smile with Restorative Dentistry
The team at Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, wants to offer a treatment to address cavities in only one visit. To schedule an appointment with our team, call us today at 972-262-5111.
