Going to the dentist and being told you have a cavity is an experience a lot of people have had. In terms of how common it is, it ranks right up there with having stains on your teeth. And while tooth decay is not something to treat lightly, as it can have lasting effects on your long-term oral health, detecting it early helps your Leawood, KS, dentist treat it with custom fillings. This treatment will aid in preventing further damage to the tooth’s structure, which could lead to other procedures, like a root canal.
Why Would Anyone Need a Filling?
Before we tell you about fillings, let us discuss cavities first. After you eat, there is sometimes food that gets left behind in your teeth, especially in the back of your mouth where your molars are located. The food finds its way into the crown ridges of those teeth. Over time, if it is not removed, bacteria build up and creates acids that make holes in a tooth’s enamel. The cavity is that hole. You probably will not feel any pain because they are small. The pain begins, though, when the hole gets bigger and a tooth’s nerve gets affected by the decay.
The Common Fix For A Cavity
When you make an appointment with your Leawood, KS, dentist, we will examine your teeth for any cavities. X-rays may even be taken so that we can get an accurate picture of your oral health. If we find a cavity, and it is in its early stages of development, we can treat it with a filling. They are made of biocompatible materials, usually customizable, tooth-colored composite resin, which is the same thing we use for tooth bonding. We will start by carefully cleaning the tooth by cleaning the cavity and removing any traces of decay and bacteria. Then we place the filling inside the cavity. This will protect the tooth from further damage and give it more strength.
Maybe I Do Not Want A Filling, What Then?
The longer you go without treating a cavity, the worse it will get. As pointed out earlier, the hole will grow bigger, eventually making its way to the tooth’s nerve. Once it reaches that point, you may have to have a root canal treatment to save the tooth.
How Do I Avoid Cavities?
Cavities are common. However, there are some strategies you can follow that will help you avoid them. For one, continue your twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing. Also, try to avoid any food or drinks that are high in sugar content. Finally, schedule regular checkups and cleanings with us so that we can catch them early and treat them for you.
Schedule An Appointment With Us Today
We can treat cavities early with custom tooth fillings to prevent them from getting worse. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
