Cavities can impact smiles of all ages, from kids to adults, and the risk is higher following Halloween and during the holiday season. We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a shining smile, which means when you have a toothache, we want to help. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about treating tooth decay with a dental filling.
The Causes (and Warning Signs) of a Cavity
A cavity forms in the dentin, the sensitive structure that makes up most of your tooth, but is usually protected by the outer layer of tooth enamel. The cavity means that bacteria has reached this layer, usually when the enamel is damaged in an injury or via teeth grinding. The most common cause is weakened enamel caused by plaque buildup, which itself can be the result of a diet high in sugar and starch, and lack of proper brushing and flossing.
How do you know if you have a cavity that needs treatment? If you experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or if you have a toothache that doesn’t subside after a day or two, then you should see our team for a diagnosis, as this could indicate the presence of a cavity!
The Filling Placement
When we look at your tooth and discover a cavity, then our team could help by placing a dental filling. To start, we want to ensure you feel comfortable by administering a local anesthetic before we remove decay and clean the tooth. We then prepare the metal-free filling material, shading it to blend with your tooth. We apply this in several layers and then sculpt the tooth as the composite resin cures beneath a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a brighter appearance.
Use Your Dental Benefits
If you have pain in a tooth, or if you have other oral health concerns, then now is a great time to visit our team. You can see us for treatment before the holiday season becomes too hectic, and also use your 2024 dental benefits before they expire. The same goes for many of your health savings accounts. Our team wants to help you use these before they expire, so you can greet 2025 with a brighter and healthier smile. If you have any questions about how we diagnose and treat tooth decay with a lifelike composite resin filling, or if you want to schedule a visit and use your benefits, then contact our team today to learn more.
SCHEDULE YOUR RESTORATION PLACEMENT WITH DR. STEWART, DDS!
We can help treat tooth decay in only one visit with a natural-looking dental filling. To find out more about restorative dentistry or to schedule your next appointment, then give us a call at our office in Livonia, MI at (734)425-4400.