It is estimated that nearly 90 percent of all adults in the U.S. have had at least one cavity in their lifetime, which means it is likely that you are familiar with how they are treated. Fillings are used as a way to stop the progression of decay and protect your pearly whites. In today’s blog, your Sunny Smiles Dentistry in El Paso, TX, is here to explain why this process is essential to your dental health.
Prevention Is Key
One of the best ways to keep your smile healthy is to prevent cavities altogether. A combination of a well-balanced diet, good oral hygiene, and consistent visits to the dentist can help this. You may not know this, but the foods and drinks you consume daily can affect your dental health. Popular snacks and beverages can contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which can lead to the formation of cavities. Try to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet, and drink water in between your snacks throughout the day to rinse out leftover food particles. In addition to this, be sure to brush and floss twice a day for two minutes and visit your dentist biannually for a checkup.
Why We Treat Cavities
At your checkup, your dentist will examine your smile for signs of cavities and other problems. Tooth decay can be seen in a change of your tooth’s texture or color, or if the area is sensitive. We may also be able to detect these early through X-rays as well. If early stages of decay are noticed, fluoride treatments and improved hygiene may be able to reverse these. If a cavity has already been formed, then a filling will need to be done.
There are several stages of the formation of a cavity. If decay is left untreated, it will continue to progress, which can cause serious damage. The purpose of filling a tooth is to remove the decayed part, protect it from bacteria entering, and restrengthen the tooth.
Alternative To Fillings
If you do not treat decay promptly, or the cavity is found at an advanced stage, root canal therapy or extraction may be necessary. In most cases, your dentist will do their best to keep your natural tooth by performing a root canal. This allows for the damaged pulp to be removed, the area to be filled, and a crown may be placed on top for extra support. However, if the tooth is severely damaged, the best option may be to extract it. This will prevent an infection from occurring and causing you discomfort.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have tooth decay, do not put off restorative treatment. To schedule an appointment with Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, call us at 915.759.7000