Do you have an aching tooth? A dental cavity could lead to discomfort and without treatment, could even lead to an infected tooth or a lost one. Not only can we treat your cavity, but we can do so with a lifelike appearance. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist discusses our lifelike composite resin dental fillings.
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
If you attend a checkup visit every six months, then our team will have the chance to carefully examine your smile and identify the presence of tooth decay, often in the early stages before you even experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you require treatment until the decay reaches a more advanced stage, a step closer to an infected or abscessed tooth. When you have a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day, let us know right away. Treatment can be administered to prevent infection and preserve your tooth, so your smile remains whole and comfortable.
Composite Resin
While metal fillings are effective, they often contain trace amounts of mercury that make them complicated for young children, elderly people, pregnant women, or those with metal allergies. However, composite resin is metal free and safe for all ages. The material blends acrylic-like and glass-like particles, and can be color matched to blend with your smile seamlessly. In fact, the same material is also used in our dental bonding procedures to address cosmetic issues, reshaping teeth, repairing damage, and masking permanent teeth stains.
Placing a Dental Filling
We first examine the tooth to assess the cause and extent of your tooth decay, so we can plan treatment with precision and accuracy. We then numb the tooth to ensure you’re comfortable as we gently remove all decay and thoroughly clean the tooth. Our team then prepares and places the composite resin in multiple layers. As the composite resin is cured beneath a light, our team will carefully sculpt and mold the tooth to ensure proper bite balance and comfort. Finally, we polish the tooth, which not only brightens it, but makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to cling to the surfaces. In a single visit, our team can treat your cavity and offer relief!
Following treatment, consider improving your brushing and flossing routine, cutting back on sugar and starch, and making time for your six-month checkup and cleaning visits, all factors that can lower the risk of tooth decay and infection. If you have any questions about our fillings, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Astoria, NY Dentist About Our Restorative Treatment Options
Our team wants to address the cause of your dental discomfort and prevent the onset of dental infection and other complications, then please call Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS at 718-728-8320.
