When you have a cavity, your teeth could hurt and eventually end up infected. To repair your smile, we could use a dental filling. Made from lifelike materials, placement only requires one visit and the filling provides years of proper restoration. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we treat cavities in one visit!
The Causes of Tooth Decay
Cavities are common and impact people of all ages. They occur when the outer enamel is compromised and unable to protect the inner layers of dentin from exposure to bacteria. This is possible due to injury or teeth grinding, which could crack or chip enamel, or as a result of poor oral hygiene, which promotes plaque buildup and erodes enamel. The cavity grows in severity with time, so treatment is essential to avoid infection, abscess, or even tooth loss. To help prevent issues like tooth decay, make sure you brush and floss daily, consume fewer sugar-rich foods and drinks, and see us every six months to have your teeth examined and cleaned.
Warning Signs to Heed
You may initially notice tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. A toothache is common too. If you have sensitivity or discomfort that persists for more than a day, then please let us know. Toothaches caused by issues such as allergies or sinus problems, or changes in elevation, pass after a few hours. Prolonged discomfort often means cavities! If you attend six-month checkup and cleaning visits, then we will likely uncover the warning signs of decay before you ever experience discomfort, addressing the issue early.
Creating a Composite Resin Filling
Instead of using metal, our team will employ a metal-free composite resin to treat the decay. Composite resin can be color-matched to blend with your tooth, and is designed to last for many years to come. We begin by administering a numbing agent and then removing all decay from your tooth. We prepare and place the material in several layers. As the dentist sculpts your tooth, we cure the composite resin under a light. Once the tooth is cured, we polish it for a more lifelike appearance. The entire process only takes one visit, and you leave with a more comfortable and healthier smile. If you have any questions about how we treat issues like tooth decay, or about our composite resin dental fillings, then contact our team today.
Let’s Treat Your Cavities
We want to repair your teeth and offer restorations that look natural, blending with your smile. To learn more about treating issues like cavities or about how we provide lifelike and long-lasting dental restorations, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
