According to statistics, even the patients who are the most dedicated to brushing and flossing will probably have to deal with a cavity at some point. One of the most common dental problems, dental cavities, can also turn into one of the most destructive if not treated in time.Patients who visit our office to have cavities filled, keep their smile bright and white with tooth-colored fillings. We create natural-looking, high-quality dental restorations that may prevent the need for more extensive treatment later.
Every person has naturally occurring bacteria in their mouth. If they miss brushing after a meal or before bed, the bacteria combines with saliva to create a sticky substance known as plaque. Most commonly found at the gum line, between teeth, and in the grooves of the back teeth, plaque can form anywhere in the mouth.When you eat foods that are high in sugars or carbohydrates, the bacteria in the plaque become active. They begin feeding on the sugars and carbs, emitting acids as they go. The acids cause the enamel of the teeth to weaken, which allows the bacteria to attack.A cavity forms as the bacteria destroy the weakened enamel and dentin layers, causing the tooth to decay. If the decay is not removed from the tooth promptly, it can spread to the soft pulp tissue at the center and actually kill the tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings are superior to the older metal amalgam fillings in many ways. They can restore teeth to their original look and function, and help maintain their strength. In fact, white fillings are the state-of-the-art alternative to rebuilding teeth.White fillings, also called composite fillings, are made from tooth-colored materials that restore the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. An advantage of composite fillings, as compared with other dental restorations, is that they require less of the healthy part of a tooth to be removed to hold the filling in place. This is due to the composite resin’s ability to form a chemical bond with the teeth adhesive.The composite material has great pliability, which allows us to easily mold the resin to fit into the cavity. We can then shape the material so that the tooth retains its natural shape and the patient maintains a correct bite.Composite resin fillings are preferable for obvious cosmetic reasons, but if the decayed area is large or is subject to heavy chewing pressure, we may recommend another type of material or restoration.
If the edge of the filling eventually pulls away from the tooth, bacteria can get between the filling and the enamel and eventually may cause decay. Tooth decay over time may develop elsewhere on the tooth. Regular visits at Forum Dental Group are important because they allow us to detect a problem in the early stage.
Dental crowns protect teeth that have suffered damage due to severe decay, fractures, and breaks from incurring further damage, while restoring a natural, healthy look to your smile. We use crowns to replace large fillings in teeth that don’t have enough structure remaining to support a new filling, or to help support dental bridges for patients who have lost one or more teeth. The doctor often uses crowns to cover the site of a root canal procedure. When used in conjunction with a dental implant, a crown can even replace a missing tooth. Technicians in an offsite dental lab fabricate these custom designed shells, creating them to achieve a permanent, snug fit over damaged teeth. Contact us for more details!
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