Your biannual dentist visit is an opportunity to get your teeth cleaned and check for any potential concerns. If you’ve been told you have a cavity during your checkup, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. Nearly everyone will experience tooth decay at least once in their lifetime. It’s important though that if you do have a cavity, it is treated as soon as possible. Your Sunny Smiles team can restore your pearly whites with lifelike fillings. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why this restoration is necessary.
Cavities Can Harm Your Smile
Tooth decay happens when bacteria hardens into plaque buildup on your teeth. This plaque can demineralize your enamel, which can eventually lead to erosion. A consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent this from happening. However, decay can still happen even when you practice prevention. This is why it’s important to see your dentist regularly as well. Your smile can be examined for early signs of decay to help reverse or treat it when necessary. If decay is ignored, it can continue eroding the structure and can cause discomfort and sensitivity. In severe cases, a decayed tooth can become infected and may result in losing the entire structure. You may be able to detect a cavity yourself if you notice a change in texture of the area, sensitivity, or persistently bad breath.
Fillings Can Restore And Protect The Area
If you have been told you have a cavity, your dentist will likely schedule a separate appointment for a dental filling. This is a minimally invasive procedure that includes removing the damaged part of your tooth and filling the area with composite resin. In the past, this restoration was done using materials such as silver, gold, or porcelain. Today, we use composite resin because it is safer for more patients, durable, and can blend in with your natural smile. Fillings should be done as soon as possible to avoid the decay from worsening.
Untreated decay can wear away the outer layers and enter the pulp. This layer provides nutrients to the tooth. If a cavity reaches this layer, it can cause extreme sensitivity and discomfort. To relieve this sensation, a root canal treatment may be necessary. This procedure is slightly more invasive than a dental filling because the damaged pulp will need to be removed. After your root canal, your dentist may add a dental crown over the area for further protection. This is because your tooth can become weakened after the pulp has been removed. The crown can protect the area from harm and improve its function.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
If you are interested in this restoration or another treatment we offer, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000 to schedule an appointment.