Tag: cavity

Choosing a Composite Filling For Your Smile

A cavity in your tooth can cause many problems if left untreated. Not only can a cavity become painful, it can also cause bad breath, and can lead to the loss of your tooth. Depending on where the tooth is located, you may have the option of using a composite filling to address your cavity. If you have a cavity that is readily visible by other people, you can talk to Dr. [doctor_name] about a composite filling.

A composite filling is actually a resin of plastic and powdered glass. The advantage to using a composite filling is that the dentist can color it to match the surface of the rest of your tooth, making it far less obvious to others.

After your dentist has removed the decayed tooth material, [heshe] will mix a resin that has been colored to match your tooth. The process of placing a composite filling will take longer than other fillings, since the tooth needs to be kept dry during the process. Additionally, composite fillings are placed in layers to give them added strength, and each of those layers need to be cured with a special light.

Composite fillings work best for teeth that do not receive a great deal of pressure from chewing, and are usually reserved for use on the front teeth. All fillings need to be replaced eventually; but, with the proper care a composite filling can last over five years. You will need to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your regular cleanings and exams.

If you are in need of a filling and would like to see if a composite filling will work for you, we will be happy to see you. To make an appointment at [practice_name] in [city], [state], call [phone] today.

A Modest Cavity on a Molar Can Sometimes Be Repaired by an Amalgam Filling

There are times when even the most diligent and consistent oral hygiene routine is simply not sufficient in preventing a cavity from forming on one of your teeth. This is even more likely to occur if you have deep textures on the molars in the back of your mouth. If the cavity is relatively small, Dr. [doctor_name] and our dental team might be able to repair it with an amalgam filling.

Dr. [doctor_name] will perform a thorough examination of the tooth to determine the extent of the decay. This might also include taking a few X-rays to make sure the interior of the tooth is healthy and unaffected.

Dr. [doctor_name] will then inject Novocain into your gums to numb the area. Then, [heshe] will use a drill to remove any decayed tooth enamel. This leaves behind a perfectly clean surface to cement a filling.

The material Dr. [doctor_name] recommends for the filling is primarily based on the tooth’s location and visibility in your smile. Amalgam fillings are known for being durable, making them a good choice for repairing a cavity on one of your back teeth. They are made from a blend of dental-grade metals.

Once the filling has been cured by a special ultraviolet light, the newly repaired tooth should last for many years to come.

If you suspect you have a cavity in [city], [state], you should call [phone] to have it examined and treated at [practice_name].

How to Treat a Cracked Tooth

Have you ever bitten into one of your favorite foods and heard a crack? As you can probably know—or can at least guess—this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. Sadly, many people feel that they can wait to have this problem addressed, but we recommend looking for treatment immediately.

Sadly, a cracked tooth could be caused by a cavity. If this is the case, you’ll probably have to cover the weakened tooth with a crown. You see, if you don’t care for a cracked tooth, your crack could slowly extend to the root of your tooth. Once this happens, you’ll be more vulnerable to infection, sensitivity, and even tooth decay.

However, while visiting a dentist as soon as possible is important, you may need to wait a few days. Luckily, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate any discomfort while you wait. For instance, you could place gauze on the cracked tooth or apply a cold pack to your cheek to alleviate pain and swelling. You may also consider using dental cement, which you should be able to find at your local drugstore.

When you do visit our dentist, we’ll assess the state of your mouth and offer you any personalized advice you need. Sometimes, for a minor crack, you’ll just need to have your tooth smoothed out. At other times, our team will fill the crack with specialized filling material. More serious breaks may need root canal therapy and will usually be covered by a crown.

Do you have more questions about the causes of a cracked tooth—or about how you may be able to address the problem? Are you interested in learning more about the care you can receive from our team? Would you simply like to schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name]? If so, we invite you to give [practice_name] a call a [phone]. We’re eager to hear from you!