Preventive care is the best way to stop tooth decay from developing. When paired with regular visits to the dentist, brushing your teeth and flossing every day is very effective at preventing cavities, but sometimes, they still occur despite your best efforts. If you do experience tooth decay, it is important to act quickly before more serious damage develops. Dental fillings are the most common way to treat cavities, and they should be sought out if you think there is something amiss. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist discusses tooth decay and how we use dental fillings to treat it.
What Are Cavities
Cavities are a type of tooth decay typically caused by lifestyle and diet choices. As you have likely heard, sugary foods and drinks are particularly harmful and are common culprits for tooth damage. Sticky foods, in particular, remain attached to your teeth which then prompts harmful bacteria to grow and settle in. Poor brushing habits, especially when paired with sugary snack choices, can also contribute because the damaging food is never removed fully. Furthermore, genetics can also influence how susceptible you are to decay. With all of this in mind, it is crucial to be vigilant about fighting decay and visit the dentist regularly so they can suggest appropriate treatment.
Tooth Decay Can Worsen
The most common and prevalent type of tooth decay is a coronal cavity. This kind typically affects your chewing surfaces and the spaces between your teeth. A coronal cavity is usually treated with dental fillings — unless it evolves and worsens. In more severe cases, when left untreated, you might have a root cavity that exists deeper into your tooth, harming your nerves. When this kind is left to develop, it could require a root canal treatment to remove, which is why we recommend treating it quickly.
Understanding Fillings
If you have a cavity closer to the surface of your tooth, we will probably treat it with a dental filling. This procedure involves your dentist carefully removing the decayed part of your tooth and cleaning the new space to rid it of infection. Next, they shape the space and place a filling into the tooth. The filling is typically made of a biocompatible resin, and it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your mouth because it is color-matched to resemble the rest of your natural tooth. Once you have a filling, it should last for at least 10 years, if not closer to 15. Remember to continue brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist twice a year to minimize the chances of any other decay or infection occurring.
Contact Us To Learn More About Cavities And Fillings
Whether you think you may be experiencing tooth decay or you have any questions about dental fillings, we encourage you to reach out. Contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 to schedule your next appointment with our team today.