Understanding the Process and Purpose of Cavity Fillings

Dental fillings are key in treating decay and restoring your smile’s health and aesthetics. Cavity treatment is one of the most common reasons people see a dentist. Poor oral hygiene and an inclination for sweets will eventually take a toll on your teeth, resulting in cavities. Through dental fillings, Dr. Larry Dougherty from Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas, can treat decayed teeth to restore their usefulness. Understanding the purpose and process of cavity filling will help you get the most from this treatment. 

What is the importance of catching cavities early in their development?

Cavities are the result of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Plaque is harmful bacteria that gradually eats away at the enamel of your teeth, creating holes or cavities in your tooth structure. If left untreated, decay can penetrate deeper into a tooth until it reaches the pulp, which contains the tooth’s connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Dental infection can destroy the tooth’s life source, causing it to die and putting you at risk of losing that tooth. Early detection of cavities is crucial for successful dental filling treatment and saving decayed teeth.

What are the benefits of getting a dental filling early in the decay process?

Addressing tooth decay as soon as possible is important to avoid further damage. Dr. Dougherty can remove the decay and fill the tooth to repair any damage done. Fillings not only help to strengthen and support the tooth, but they also restore its structural integrity. Once the tooth has been treated with a filling, it can continue to be used for biting and chewing. With proper care, fillings can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Furthermore, fillings create a protective seal around the tooth to prevent future infection and further deterioration.

What are the steps involved in getting a dental filling?

Getting a filling is a standard dental procedure that can usually be completed in one visit. The process involves the following steps: 

Dr. Dougherty will numb the area around your decayed tooth so that you won’t feel any pain. Then, the decayed part of your tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be cleaned and dried to prepare it for filling. The composite filling will be applied directly onto the tooth enamel, layer by layer. This resin will be hardened using a special light. After that, the tooth will be shaped and polished until it becomes smooth and shiny.

Dentist for Cavities Near Me

Keep decay from destroying your smile with prompt and effective cavity treatment! To schedule an appointment at Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, TX, call us today at (210) 880-2229. 

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