Dental cavities could impact people of all ages and lead to serious complications unless treated. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will look at the causes of a cavity, and what warning signs you should be aware of. We’re also going to talk about how we put a stop to tooth decay with a lifelike and durable dental restoration!
The Causes of Tooth Decay
Our teeth are coated in a thin, but powerful, protective layer known as enamel. Despite being the hardest substance in the human body, this layer could still become weakened or damaged. For example, poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar could allow plaque buildup to accumulate on the teeth, hardening into tartar and eroding the enamel. An injury, or teeth grinding, could crack and chip the enamel. The inner dentin, which is far more sensitive than enamel, is then exposed to bacteria, allowing a tooth decay to form.
Warning Signs and Complications
If you attend regular checkup and cleaning visits, then we will likely uncover a cavity in the earliest stage, before you experience discomfort. Otherwise, you won’t know you need treatment until the cavity becomes more advanced, at which point you could encounter persistent tooth sensitivity and toothaches. If you have pain in your smile, let us know right away. Otherwise, the inner pulp could be exposed to bacteria and allow the tooth to become infected or abscessed.
A Lifelike Dental Filling
To avoid the onset of a dental infection, and to bring a halt to major discomfort, then you need treatment. Using advanced technology, including digital x-rays, we will assess the cause and severity of your cavity. For most cases, we will place a filling. This involves removing decay and thoroughly cleaning the tooth. We then prepare the composite resin material and apply it to the tooth. As we cure this material, we shape the tooth and then polish it. Since the material can be tinted to match surrounding teeth, this provides a lifelike solution in one visit. However, for more severe cases, we may create and place a strong and durable dental crown. We often use lifelike materials for our crowns, so again you have repairs that blend with your smile. If you have any questions about treating a cavity with a filling, then contact our team today.
Interested in a Natural-Looking Treatment?
Our team is ready to combat oral health issues that could threaten the beauty, health, and function of your smile. Whether you have cavities or an infection, we can restore your smile. To learn more about treating issues like tooth decay, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
