Treat Cavities With Dental Fillings
Cavities can happen even when you practice a regular oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist twice a year. If you have been told that you have a cavity, you will need to schedule a filling as soon as possible to stop the progression of decay and protect your tooth. Your Greensboro, NC dental team offers tooth-colored fillings that blend in with your smile and protect your oral health. In our blog today, we’re here to talk about why you need this restorative treatment.
How Cavities Happen
Cavities can happen over the span of a few months. First, bacteria from foods and drinks stick to your teeth. The bacteria build up and become plaque, which is a sticky film that covers your teeth. The plaque can begin to erode your enamel and lead to tooth decay, which can later cause sensitivity when eating or drinking. You may be more prone to cavities if you snack frequently throughout the day or have a poor oral hygiene routine. Cavity prevention can involve an improved oral hygiene routine, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy foods.
When You Need A Filling
You may need a dental filling if you have one or more cavities throughout your smile. Cavities happen when plaque sticks to your teeth and begins to erode your enamel. Over time, this can cause a small hole to form on your tooth. Decay does not happen overnight but rather happens over the span of a few months. You may be able to reverse early stages of tooth decay with an improved oral hygiene routine. If a full cavity forms, though, you will need to have it filled to best protect your smile. We use a lifelike material for this restoration so that it blends in naturally with the appearance of your smile.
If You Put Off Treatment
Typically, tooth fillings are a minimally invasive procedure that takes less than an hour to complete. This simple restoration can stop further damage and protect your tooth. If you put off treatment for too long, it could result in the decay worsening and damaging the inner layers of your tooth. When this happens, you may need more invasive procedures, like a root canal, to restore the structure. A root canal involves removing the decaying pulp and cleaning the area before adding a crown to protect it. While root canals can protect your teeth after damage, we recommend treating dental decay and other damage as soon as possible to minimize the invasiveness of your restorative treatments.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team Today
When you have a cavity, our team is here to help. To schedule a restorative treatment with us, call our Greensboro, NC, dental office at (336) 854-9270.