When a cavity forms, this could mean discomfort and unless you undergo treatment, the risk of an infected or even a lost tooth could increase. To treat cavities, our team will employ a metal-free composite resin, so the results will look natural and blend with your smile. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will discuss our fillings and how we place them!
The Causes of Tooth Decay
A cavity means that bacteria is no longer held at bay by the outer layer of tooth enamel. Instead, harmful oral bacteria have made contact with the sensitive inner layers of dentin, allowing cavities to form that will grow and spread with time. Causes include poor oral hygiene habits, which allow plaque buildup to grow severe and erode the enamel, or an injury that cracks or chips a tooth and exposes the inner portions. Teeth grinding, which wears down the outer structure, could be a factor too.
Warning Signs and Possible Complications
If you attend routine six-month checkup visits, then we will likely uncover the earliest signs of cavities and offer treatment before you experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until you notice tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, or a persistent toothache. If you have regular pain in your smile that doesn’t subside after a few hours, let us know right away. Without treatment, a cavity could cause worsening pain and an infection, which threatens the stability of your smile.
Creating Our Lifelike Fillings
If we examine your smile and discover cavities, we will move forward with treatment. First, we administer a numbing agent to keep you comfortable. If you have dental anxiety, we could discuss sedation options. We then remove all decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean the surfaces. Next, we prepare and place the composite resin material. As the material cures under a light, our team will sculpt and mold your tooth for a lifelike appearance. Finally, we polish the tooth to improve esthetics. We can then discuss how to improve your overall hygiene and limit the risk of future cavities!
If you have any questions about how we treat a cavity, or if you have regular pain in one or more of your teeth, then please let us know right away. We can restore your tooth to optimal health, beauty, and comfort.
Do You Have Questions About Restorative Dentistry?
Our team is ready to help treat cavities with a metal-free and natural looking material, and we also have crowns and other options for more severe cases, including dental infection. To learn more about how we tackle your tooth decay in only one visit, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
