Tooth decay could be caused by poor oral hygiene or even an injury to your tooth. In order to avoid serious complications, your smile needs a restorative treatment. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at how we offer our Astoria, NY, residents a lifelike solution to tooth decay, and what steps people can take to avoid future cavities!
Our Tooth-Colored Fillings
A filling doesn’t necessarily have to be made from metal. In fact, we prefer to offer restorations that look natural and blend with the smile, while still providing durable and long-lasting repair. Instead of metal, we will use composite resin, a blend of quartz and acrylic compounds that can be shaded to match the color of your tooth. We remove the decay from your tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we apply the composite resin and as we cure the material under a light, we shape and sculpt the tooth. Finally, once the tooth cures, we polish it. The entire process only takes one visit to complete, and helps improve overall health and prevent the onset of a dental infection.
Common Warning Signs
If you attend your regular six-month checkups and cleanings, then we will often identify cavities in the earliest possible stages, treating them before you experience discomfort. Otherwise, you may not know you have them until the later stages, in which tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or a persistent toothache, develops. Don’t ignore pain in your smile, as this could point to decay and ignoring discomfort could allow an infection or abscess to form, threatening the stability of your tooth.
Keeping Your Teeth Cavity-Free
With the right steps, you could significantly reduce your risk of developing a cavity. For example, you should brush your teeth when you wake up for at least two minutes, and do so again before going to bed. We suggest using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride has been shown to strengthen the protective layer of outer tooth enamel. Flossing before going to sleep removes the food particles your toothbrush can’t reach. We also suggest cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, as the sugar particles could feed harmful bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of a cavity forming. Finally, make time to see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can examine your smile and remove all plaque buildup from the surface of your teeth. If you have any questions about fillings or cavity prevention, then contact our team today.
Do You Have a Dental Cavity?
If you have tooth decay then you may benefit from routine care and lifelike restorations. For more information on our restorative treatment options, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
