Between Halloween and the holiday season, the risk of tooth decay is on the rise for you and your family. If you have a tooth that begins to ache and needs attention, then our team can help with a filling. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist talks about how we place our lifelike dental fillings.
The Causes and Warning Signs
Cavities form in the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth and that surrounds the inner pulp. Typically, the outer enamel would prevent this contact, but factors like a diet high in sugar and poor brushing and flossing habits can allow enamel to weaken and erode. The tooth could also become damaged in an accident or worn down by teeth grinding. Once cavities form, they grow and spread with time until the tooth feels sensitive and hurts. At this point, treatment is crucial for avoiding function and the risk of tooth loss. Don’t ignore a persistent toothache!
Our Composite Resin Fillings
Our team will conduct a close examination of the tooth with digital x-rays and intraoral cameras, so we can pinpoint the position and severity of your decay. From there, we can plan the treatment in detail. Our team will also numb the tooth with a local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable as we place a filling. If you have dental anxiety or special needs that make undergoing even minor care a difficult process, then we can offer sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation. The composite resin we use is metal-free and safe for all ages. The material can also be shaded to blend with your tooth and offer a lifelike appearance. We can also use the same material in a dental bonding procedure, which enables us to mask common cosmetic imperfections, such as misshapen or severely stained teeth.
The Placement Process
Once you are properly numbed and ready, we will remove decay from the tooth and then clean it thoroughly. For some, we may etch portions of the outer surface. We then apply the shaded composite resin to the tooth and sculpt it as we cure the material under a special light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance, so you can feel proud of your newly restored tooth. If you have a more severe case of tooth decay, we could also discuss treatment with a lifelike and durable dental crown, or a root canal to address an infected tooth and bring relief.
If you have any questions about how our team will diagnose and treat issues like tooth decay, or about our composite resin dental restorations, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit to Learn More About Custom Restorations
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a smile that looks good too with our custom and lifelike dental restorations. For more information on treating cavities, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.
