When a tooth develops a cavity, this means toothaches and without treatment, the risk of a serious infection. Which is why placing a filling is so important. In one visit, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about how we place tooth-colored composite resin dental fillings to treat cases of tooth decay.
The Reason for Fillings
You need a filling to treat tooth decay. Otherwise, the decay will grow and spread through the tooth until a painful infection arises that could threaten tooth stability! Cavities occur when the protective layer of enamel is weakened by poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup, exposing the sensitive inner tissues to bacteria. An injury to the tooth or even untreated teeth grinding could be factors as well. Warning signs of trouble include tooth sensitivity and toothaches, and you should let us know if you notice an ache in one or more teeth!
The Placement Process
We will first carefully examine the teeth with digital technology to assess the extent and position of the decay. We then numb the tooth and remove the decay from the tooth and clean it thoroughly. We may etch the outer surfaces before placing the filling material. As the material cures beneath a light, we will sculpt and mold the tooth. Finally, we polish it for a brighter appearance. The entire process only takes one visit, and helps protect your smile from major problems, including tooth loss. If you attend a checkup and cleaning visit every six months, then we can often identify decay in the earliest stages, long before you develop discomfort.
Composite Resin
Instead of metal, we use a composite resin that is free of metal and safe for people of all ages. The material is a blend of glass-like and acrylic particles that we can shade to blend with the tooth structure seamlessly. The same material is also used in our dental bonding procedures, allowing us to address a variety of cosmetic issues, including masking teeth stains, reshaping teeth, and closing gaps between the teeth. If you have any questions about how we treat tooth decay or offer cosmetic improvement with this material, then contact our team today to schedule a visit. Seeing us know means you can use your 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire, and before the hectic holiday season makes finding time to see us a difficult process.
Talk to Your Woodland Hills, CA Dentist About Treating Cavities
Our team wants to help you and your family avoid the complications of untreated cavities! Why not greet 2023 with a strong and healthy smile, and one that looks great too! If you would like to find out more about our lifelike restorations, then contact your Woodland Hills, CA dentist, Dr. Naminik, by calling 818-347-5124.