When we see someone with an aching tooth and discover a cavity, we have treatment to help safeguard the smile from pain and infection. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about how we create a natural looking filling with composite resin, and when you may need one!
Do You Have a Cavity?
If you have a cavity, you could notice a tooth that feels sensitive when you eat and drink, or a toothache that grows in severity with time. At this stage, the decay is at a more advanced state and treatment is crucial for preventing the onset of a dental infection. Our team will carefully examine the smile to identify the cavity and assess the severity. For most cases, we can offer a filling to treat it in only one visit.
Will Our Fillings Look Natural?
Yes! Instead of using metal, we opt for a material that blends particles of glass and acrylic, which is safe for all ages, and never changes shape with time. This composite resin material can also be shaded to blend with the rest of your tooth, so your restoration looks natural. Placement is a simple process. First, we administer a local anesthetic to ensure you feel comfortable as we remove the decay and clean the tooth. We then prepare the material and place the composite resin in the decayed area. We then sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures under a special light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. If you have severe decay, we could also provide a lifelike and custom-made dental crown.
How Do I Avoid Cavities?
Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of cavities forming in the first place. For example, you can start each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and then do the same before bed. We also suggest flossing every evening too. These actions remove particles from our foods and drinks before bacteria can break them down, a process that would otherwise lead to plaque buildup and cavities. You also help with a diet low in sugar and starch, and by attending routine visits for checkups and cleanings too.
If you have any questions about treating issues like tooth decay, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a healthy, strong, and attractive smile for years to come.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Cavities?
Don’t let your cavity cause a painful infection or lead to a lost tooth, talk to our team about restorative dentistry. To learn more about the options we have to stop tooth decay, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
