Fillings to Treat Mild to Moderate Cavities
Besides cosmetic tooth stains, one of the most common concerns to develop with patients’ smiles is chronic tooth decay – the condition that leads to cavities. Most people experience a cavity at least once in their lives, though fortunately, they can often effectively treat them with the help of custom tooth fillings. If you have a cavity, then treating it with a filling as soon as possible is the best way to prevent the decay from affecting more of your tooth structure. This not only stops the discomfort of tooth decay, but also helps you avoid more extensive restorative treatment, such as root canal therapy.
What is a tooth filling?
A tooth filling is a biocompatible material that we use to fill the depression, or cavity, that forms in your tooth when it’s decaying. Placing a tooth filling first involves carefully cleaning the cavity to remove any traces of oral bacteria (the cause of the infection) and decayed tooth structure. Then, we can place the filling inside of the cavity to protect the exposed structure and reinforce the tooth’s strength and integrity. For optimal results, we often place tooth-colored fillings made from customizable composite resin (the material used for cosmetic tooth bonding). A tooth-colored filling not only treats your cavity and restores your tooth, but also helps you improve the tooth’s healthy, natural appearance.
Silver amalgam vs. composite resin fillings
You may be more aware of silver fillings since they’ve been used for several years to treat cavities. However, since the 1960s, composite resin has become a popular choice among dentists. The reason is that its tint can be changed to match the color of the tooth being treated. Silver is darker and may stain your teeth. Silver amalgam is a metal compound composed of a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Composite resin is made from a mixture of porcelain particles and finely ground glass. Both filling options are durable, and if you take care of your teeth, they may last from 10 to 15 years.
What about more severe tooth decay?
The problem with tooth decay is that it’s progressive, which means the longer you neglect to treat it, the worse it will become. If you treat your cavity in its mild to moderate stages with a filling, you can stop it from growing more severe and needing more extensive treatment. However, if your tooth decay becomes severe and reaches your tooth’s inner structures, then you may need root canal treatment to stop the decay and save the tooth. Afterward, we can place a dental crown over the tooth to offer even more protection for it.
Call us to learn if you need a tooth filling
If your tooth has a cavity, then treat it with a custom tooth filling as soon as possible to stop it from growing worse. To schedule a consultation with us, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park, South KC, South OP, Martin City, MO, and all surrounding communities.
