Our diet and our homecare routine can impact our risk of developing cavities. When tooth decay forms, you need treatment to avoid infection or other serious complications. How does a filling treat decay? Can we provide one that blends seamlessly with your smile?
Frequently Asked Questions About Fillings and Tooth Decay
Question: What causes a cavity?
Answer: A cavity forms when the outer layer of tooth enamel, which typically protects the tooth, becomes weakened or damaged, often due to injury or simply poor oral hygiene. When that happens, bacteria can enter the tooth and reach the inner layers of dentin, which are more sensitive. A cavity then forms.
Question: How do I know if I have one?
Answer: You may initially feel sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking cold or hot foods and drinks. Later, a toothache may form that doesn’t subside after 48 hours. If you experience frequent discomfort in or around a tooth, you should contact your dentist for an appointment. In addition, remember that a cavity takes about six months to form, so attending routine checkups can allow us to treat the issue before you begin experiencing any discomfort.
Question: Will I need a filling?
Answer: We often treat cavities with a filling, which involve removing the decay from the tooth, cleaning it, and then applying a composite resin. We cure the resin under a light and then polish the tooth for a more natural appearance. The entire procedure can be done in one visit and protect your tooth from the complications of untreated cavities, such as dental infection.
Question: Will the restoration match my tooth?
Answer: Yes! The composite resin we use for the filling can be shaded to match your tooth, providing a more natural solution to cavities than metal fillings.
Do You A Dental Filling?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, we can help restore your damaged or decayed tooth with a lifelike and long lasting treatment option. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
