A dental filling is a common treatment option for cavities. Even after trying hard to prevent tooth decay, the dentist may find a few small cavities. You may be tempted to put off tooth decay treatment when you are not experiencing any pain. This is not a good idea because it can lead to other serious problems. Treating a cavity is also usually less painful when it is done early or as soon as your dentist detects signs of decay.
Tooth decay starts by softening the outer layer of a tooth called enamel. If left untreated, it could eventually become a cavity. Even if a person has small cavities, they need to be filled as soon as possible. But if decay is caught early enough, there are several options available that can help a person avoid a filling.
Fluoride is an element that helps to slow the progress of tooth decay. Fluoride treatment may involve the application of fluoride gel. It is often placed in a tray and kept in the mouth for a while as the enamel absorbs the fluoride before the tray is removed. Fluoride varnish can also help prevent tooth decay or stop it from getting worse. This is a liquid that is painted onto the teeth, which hardens quickly into a thin layer as the fluoride is absorbed by the enamel.
Dentists usually recommend using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Sometimes, a dentist may prescribe toothpaste that has a higher concentration of fluoride. This kind of toothpaste is usually recommended when the decay leaves the root exposed. Using high-fluoride toothpaste regularly can help prevent further decay from occurring.
Decay usually targets the back of teeth since they have deep pits and grooves that trap food particles and plaque. To prevent this problem, the dentist may recommend dental sealants. A sealant is basically a protective coating that is placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Dental sealants will cover the grooves and pits and help eliminate any places for bacteria to collect.
If tooth decay has advanced to form a cavity, the dentist may also consider silver diamine fluoride (SDF). SDF is an effective treatment that is applied directly to the area of decay. It can stop the decay from continuing without filling the cavity in. It is a quick and affordable option that is often ideal for younger patients who are not comfortable with a drill.
Dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments can help you to prevent a cavity from forming and avoid a dental filling. But if you are not able to catch the tooth decay early, a dental filling may be a viable treatment option. Fortunately, there are more types of dental fillings available than ever before. These include amalgam, composites, gold, or porcelain. These differ in looks, longevity, durability, and price point. Your dentist can help you choose the ideal type of filling or treatment plan for your cavity.
Request an appointment here: http://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 668-3311 for an appointment in our Turlock office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Wondering what a restorative dentist can do about worn-down teeth? Read on to learn more. It is normal for teeth to wear down. However, it becomes problematic if the rate of wear is disproportional to the patient's age. This common dental issue weakens the teeth and also makes the tooth less appealing. A few oral…
Restorative dentists do not only repair damaged teeth. They also enhance overall oral health. From addressing cavities to replacing missing teeth, these dental professionals provide a variety of treatments that restore the function of damaged teeth and protect your oral health.Restorative dentistry is the dental specialty that restores damaged and decayed teeth. These professionals also…
Restorative dentists try to repair a tooth to save it before considering replacement options. Damage and decay can jeopardize a tooth and affect how the smile looks and functions. However, a restorative dentist can restore a tooth's form and function.A restorative dentist is any dentist who fixes or replaces teeth. This differs from cosmetic dentistry…
A dental crown can help restore the appearance and function of your smile while improving your oral health. Working with a restorative dentist can streamline the process. Here are a few benefits of getting a dental crown from a restorative dentist.Healthy teeth feature an outer shell known as enamel, which protects the underlying dentin. Though…
Wondering what a restorative dentist can do about worn-down teeth? Read on to learn more. It is normal for teeth to wear down. However, it becomes problematic if the rate of wear is disproportional to the patient's age. This common dental issue weakens the teeth and also makes the tooth less appealing. A few oral…
Restorative dentists do not only repair damaged teeth. They also enhance overall oral health. From addressing cavities to replacing missing teeth, these dental professionals provide a variety of treatments that restore the function of damaged teeth and protect your oral health.Restorative dentistry is the dental specialty that restores damaged and decayed teeth. These professionals also…