Cavities impact people of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Whether you’re 8 or 80, your decay needs to be treated to avoid a painful infection or a lost tooth. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist looks at how we treat cavities and return smiles to full function and health. Find out when you benefit from a custom and lifelike dental filling.
Do You Have Tooth Decay?
How do you know if you have a cavity? Well, we suggest children and adults alike attend routine checkup every six months. Not only will we remove plaque and tartar to reduce the risk of decay, but we will look for the earliest indicators of potential cavities, treating them before they cause pain. Otherwise, you may not know until you or your little one report tooth sensitivity or toothaches that don’t pass after a day or two. At this point, the issue has reached a more advanced stage, and the risk of an infection is higher.
Placing a Filling
If you have a cavity, then we will fill the area to prevent it from spreading and causing problems for your smile’s stability and health. We start by removing decay from the tooth and thoroughly cleaning it. Next, we apply composite resin. A metal-free mixture of glass and acrylic compounds, this material can actually be shaded to match the color of nearby structure. We apply the material in several layers and then as we cure it under a light, the dentist sculpts and molds the tooth. The process takes only one visit to complete, and the last step is a thorough polishing to ensure a more lifelike appearance.
How Do I Stay Cavity-Free?
To avoid future cavities, both you and your little ones should brush for two minutes in the morning and again at night, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss in between your teeth every night before bed. For kids, try using a floss pick, which is often easier for them (and you, if you’re helping them) to manage. Cut back on drinks and snacks high in sugar, and see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, so we can monitor your smile and help you enjoy better oral health and a more attractive smile. If you have any questions about treating cavities or improving your overall oral health, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE A CAVITY?
With restorative dentistry, our team can offer treatments for restorative and cosmetic issues, returning your smile to optimal health and beauty. For more information on our preventive and restorative treatment options, or to schedule a consultation, call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.