Saving Your Tooth With Cosmetic Fillings

lifelike dental filling

When you develop a cavity, this means your tooth may hurt or feel sensitive when you eat hot or cold foods and drinks. Unless treated, your cavity could also lead to an infected tooth too. Fortunately, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist offers a filling that looks natural and matches your tooth to treat cavities and prevent issues like infection.

The Causes of Your Tooth Decay

A cavity means harmful bacteria is no longer kept at bay by the outer enamel, and instead reaches the inner dentin, which is more sensitive. This could happen as a result of poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar, both factors behind plaque buildup. When plaque, a bacterial byproduct, coats your teeth, this weakens and erodes tooth enamel. A damaged tooth, even if the chip or crack seems minor, could also expose the inner dentin and increase the risk of tooth decay. Warning signs include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, and toothaches. If you attend regular checkups every six months, then we will likely be able to identify the issue in the earliest stages.

Treatment with Composite Resin Dental Fillings

When we discover a cavity, we help by removing all decay for the tooth and then thoroughly cleaning the decayed portions. Next, we prepare the metal-free filling material. The composite resin can be shaded to match your tooth, and is safe for people of all ages. We apply the material in multiple layers and then as we cure it under a light, we shape and sculpt the tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. In a single visit, we can treat the cavity and prevent the onset of complications like dental infection or abscesses.

Steps for Reducing Your Cavity Risk

Kids and adults alike can make a few simple changes to daily routines to help reduce the risk of cavities and safeguard the smile. For example, brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, once in the morning and again at night, helps remove food particles that could feed bacteria and cause plaque buildup. Flossing before bed is also essential, as this remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach. You also help by cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, which could otherwise feed harmful bacteria. If you have any questions about treating or preventing tooth decay, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Restorations?

We have fillings that look natural and provide long-lasting repair for dental cavities. For more information on treating dental cavities in one visit, then please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.