If you have a dental cavity, then your tooth could be susceptible to serious discomfort, as well as an infection or abscess. In order to treat the problem and restore smiles, then your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist may recommend a tooth-colored dental filling to stop the decay and return the smile to optimal health, beauty, and function!
The Dangers of a Dental Cavity
A cavity forms when bacteria reaches the inner dentin, which are layers of sensitive and porous material surrounding the pulp. The outer enamel typically protects the dentin, but injury, such as a crack or chip, could expose the tooth. In addition, poor oral hygiene could weaken and erode the enamel. When a cavity forms, the decay will continue to grow and spread through the tooth unless treated, and a severe infection or abscess could occur once bacteria makes contact with the pulp. At this point, the risk of losing the tooth altogether becomes more likely. Once you notice tooth sensitivity and toothaches, this means your decay has reached a more advanced stage, and treatment is crucial for avoiding complications.
Our Lifelike Restorations
A filling offers a single-visit solution to cavities. To begin, we will remove decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we prepare and apply the composite resin material. Composite resin is a metal-free blend of acrylic and quartz particles, and can be shaded to match the color of your tooth. We apply the material and then shape the tooth as we cure it under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more natural appearance. The entire procedure takes one visit to complete, and stops the progression of decay. You also enjoy a brighter and natural-looking tooth.
Keeping Smiles Free of Cavities
What steps can you take to keep your smile free of tooth decay? First, try to cut back on the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as the particles left behind could feed harmful oral bacteria. You also need to brush your teeth when you wake up and again before bed, using a toothpaste with fluoride and cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes each session. We also urge people to floss before going to bed, and to see us every six months so we can examine the smile for warning signs of cavities, and also clean the teeth, removing plaque buildup to prevent enamel erosion.
Do You Have Pain or Sensitivity in Your Smile?
Our team can treat cavities with a lifelike and durable dental restoration. For more information on diagnosing and treating cavities, 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 Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.