To keep your teeth strong and protected, it is importation you practice a thorough preventive dental care routine. This includes both in-office checkups and at-home care, such as brushing and flossing regularly. When decay-causing bacteria are able to reside within the mouth unmanaged, they begin to wreak havoc on your teeth and surrounding tissues. Fortunately, timely restorative dental care may be all it takes to get you back on the path to a lifelong, healthy smile. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist takes a closer look at dental fillings and explains when and how treatment can be most effective.

Addressing Cavities Early

The biggest threat to your oral health typically comes in the form of decay-causing bacteria. Though you can manage the bacteria levels in the mouth, it is impossible to rid the oral cavity of these microorganisms completely. For this reason, periodic and routine care are essential for maintaining your smile’s health. When infection does occur, however, it is important to know that all hope is not lost and the sooner you seek restorative dental care, the better your chances of mitigating issues and enjoying a healthy smile for life.

When you attend your regular checkup, your dentist will inform you if you have any minor cavities. As these develop, it is important to nip the problem in the bud as early as possible in order to avoid the spread of serious infection and potentially losing the tooth. We will discuss your options, including what type of filling is best suited for your needs and what you can expect from the process. For more information about the dental filling procedure, give our team a call today.

Mitigating the Spread of Disease

In addition to addressing cavities early, a dental filling can help prevent further spreading of decay or infection. We will take care to remove all traces of infection, clean the affected area, and finish off your treatment with filling the open cavity with a biocompatible material. This helps seal the opening and prevents bacteria from re-entering the structure. Additionally, it provides a sturdy solution for individuals looking to have their bite and oral function restored, as a filling can support an appropriate percentage of bite pressure.

When You Seek a Lifelike Finish

Finally, restorative fillings can be ideal for patients looking to address minor dental infection with a highly realistic or lifelike finish. In fact, filling material can vary from silver amalgam for additional strength, to composite resin for that more natural finish. Keep in mind, however, that a dental filling may not be a sufficient treatment option for more advanced dental infection, and it is best to speak with your dentist before scheduling your treatment.

Ask About Your Filling Options Today

Don’t let minor dental infection get you down. With timely restorative treatment, you can get back to sporting a strong, healthy grin in no time. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913) 681-5500 to schedule your visit with our friendly team.