Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks? Are you currently suffering from a chronic toothache? You may have a cavity. Tooth decay is a common, but serious, dental issue. Over time, cavities can even threaten the stability of your teeth and the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, Dr. James Fondriest, offers a simple and effective method of dental repair. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest explains how our natural looking plastic fillings can repair cavity-related damaged and help you maintain a beautiful smile.
What are Dental Fillings?
Fillings allow Dr. Fondriest to address decay caused by cavities. Dr. Fondriest first prepares the tooth, removing the damaged and decayed portion. He then uses a plastic filling material to fill the exposed area, protecting the tooth from further infection and preserving the remaining tooth structure. Dental fillings can also repair cracked or chipped teeth and teeth that have been worn down by teeth grinding.
Symptoms of a Cavity
How do you know if you have a cavity? Patients suffering from tooth decay report several similar symptoms, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothache
- Pits in the surface of the tooth
- Pain when biting down or chewing
In the advanced stages, patients may also experience a bad tasting discharge. If left untreated, a cavity can eventually lead to an abscessed tooth. In some cases, this requires the removal of the infected tooth.
Causes of Tooth Decay
A variety of factors can cause a cavity to form, from lack of fluoride exposure to genetic predisposition. But the most common cause of tooth decay is simply poor oral hygiene combined with drinking sodas or eating foods high in sugars and other starches. Bacteria break down sugars, increasing the presence of oral acids. These oral acids weaken tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to reach to inner layers of dentin and form cavities. When we don’t care for our teeth, bacteria can flourish. When a cavity forms, a plastic filling can stop the decay from reaching the pulp at the center of your tooth and causing a painful abscess.
Advantages of Composite Plastic Fillings
Traditionally, most people have received metal, or amalgam, fillings. Some dentists make unsubstantiated statements that all metal fillings should be replaced. Silver fillings contain trace amounts of mercury and aren’t esthetically pleasing. Over time, an amalgam filling may expand, damaging the tooth and exposing the inner tooth structure to bacteria, increasing the risk of further decay. Plastic fillings are made from a special composite resin. This material can be shaded to blend seamlessly with your smile. Composite fillings are durable and can provide years of quality dental restoration. With plastic fillings, your tooth can be returned to full function and appearance.
Preventing Cavities
Did you know a few simple habits could help prevent decay? To safeguard your smile, always brush twice a day. You should also floss at least once a day and try to rinse your mouth an antibacterial mouthwash. These simple measures help cleanse your mouth of harmful bacteria and stray food particles. Avoid foods high in sugars and other starches, such as candy or soda. Instead, drink water and add more fruits and fresh vegetables to your diet. Don’t forget to always attend your regular checkups and cleanings with Dr. Fondriest. Checkups allow Dr. Fondriest to watch for any warning signs of developing dental issues, such as decay or gum disease. Early detection enables Dr. Fondriest to prescribe immediate treatment and help patients avoid costly and invasive procedures in the future. Cleanings help remove layers of plaque left by bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities or periodontitis.
Learn more about Plastic Fillings
Are you experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of a cavity? You may benefit from composite tooth bonding. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, we provide natural looking and durable tooth colored fillings. Talk to Dr. Fondriest today! Remember, fillings are essential for helping to protect and preserve your teeth. We offer patients the latest in innovative restorative and cosmetic dental procedures to obtain healthy, beautiful smiles.
Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist serving clients from throughout the United States