It goes without saying that, when asked about their smile goals, most patients are quick to answer that they strive for a healthy, vibrant appearance. Indeed, a person’s smile can communicate a lot about them, and maintaining excellent oral health is something everyone should strive to obtain. Still, complications can arise at any time that can compromise this process and, as a result, require the help of restorative care. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX dentist discusses the importance of staying on top of your oral health and why you should seek timely treatment for your cavities.
Understanding How Decay Develops
From a young age, you were likely told to brush and floss your teeth. Though at the time this may have seemed like your parents trying to make you do something you did not want to do, in reality, they were helping you care for your oral health. You see, your smile – and everyone else’s – contains bacteria. Though you can rid the mouth of most of them, it is virtually impossible to get rid of them all.
Over time, failing to practice an adequate preventive routine allows the microorganisms that are lurking in the difficult-to-reach areas of the mouth to thrive. From here, they feed off of the sugars from the food you consume, causing them to produce a destructive acid that damages your tooth’s structure. Without effective intervention, a small hole known as a cavity can form.
Moreover, your issues do not stop with a cavity. The infection will continue to spread and worsen until your entire tooth is compromised, resulting in the need for a dental extraction. Because of this, it is important to seek treatment sooner rather than later.
What to Expect from a Filling
To mitigate the spread of decay, your dentist may recommend a dental filling. During this process, our team will take care to clean the affected area thoroughly and remove all traces of decay. Following this, we will apply a composite resin material, contour it to satisfaction, then cure the material using a special light. After evening out your bite, you are all set to enjoy your newly restored smile. To learn more about this process, give our team a call today.
Other Options To Consider
If, by chance, the infection has spread past the point a filling would be helpful, our team may recommend the need for a root canal. Our ultimate goal is that you do not lose any of your natural teeth, but waiting until it is too late is a sure-fire way to part ways with an oral structure.
Timely Treatment for Your Needs
Your teeth may be some of the toughest bones in your body, but that does not mean they are invincible. Contact Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX by calling 915-849-9000 to learn more about the need for timely restorative dental care and schedule your next appointment with our team today.