Cavities are, unfortunately, quite a common occurrence – most people will have had at least one by the time they reach adulthood. Though they are fairly easy to prevent with good oral hygiene habits, cavities can develop when brushing and flossing is skipped and plaque is allowed to build up on the tooth surfaces. Bacteria that live in the plaque produce and release acids that wear away at the tooth enamel, eventually forming a hole called a cavity. The most common treatment for a cavity is a dental filling, which is provided by South Simcoe Dental Care in Bradford.
What is a filling?
Fillings used at South Simcoe Dental Care are made of a composite of powdered glass and acrylic resin. This material is preferred because it is durable but blends in with the surrounding teeth, so the restoration is not noticeable. The filling removes the decay in the tooth and fills it back in to restore the tooth’s structure and functionality. Leaving the cavity untreated will allow the decay to worsen, possibly eventually reaching the tooth root, at which point a more invasive procedure called a root canal will be required.
Procedure
To have a tooth filled in Bradford, the affected tooth will first be numbed to minimize pain or discomfort. It will then have all traces of decay removed and be cleaned thoroughly. The filling material is placed in the tooth in layers, with each layer being hardened with a special curing light. This process helps to strengthen the filling and make it more durable. Once all the layers have been applied, your dentist will check your bite and shape the filling to match the neighboring teeth. Excess material can be trimmed off before the filling is polished to complete the procedure. Pain or tooth sensitivity in the areas surrounding the treated tooth is a common occurrence, and should subside after a week or two. If it does not, contact your dentist to have it checked; the tooth may need retreatment.
To have tooth decay treated in Bradford, give us a call at South Simcoe Dental Care to have a dental filling placed.
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