Dental fillings are one of the most common treatments in dentistry. They’re the simplest way to treat a basic cavity, and they’re incredibly effective when it comes to securing the future of your oral health. However, the filling portion of your treatment is actually the final step in healing a cavity. First, your dentist will need to clean out the buildup of bacteria in your tooth, and check your other teeth and gums for potential infection. In today’s blog, we’ll cover the different steps to treating a cavity, and why the process is so important for your teeth and gums.
Getting Rid of Bacterial Infection Is Step One in Treating a Cavity
Cavities are so named because they are literal holes that are left in the enamel of your teeth as the result of bacterial infection. Before your teeth can begin to mend, you need to remove the bacteria — the source of harm. Bacteria build up in plaques and form tartar on the surfaces of your teeth. As they continue to metabolize food, the bacteria produce acid. This is the corrosive force that damages tooth enamel. You’ll typically notice dark spots on your teeth where the bacteria have aggregated. Your dentist will need to remove this bacterial buildup and sterilize the area before they can place a dental filling.
Dental Fillings Heal Damaged Teeth and Prevent Access
A dental filling is used to replace the damaged tooth enamel caused by a cavity. Your dental filling needs to be strong, to stand up to the test of time. While the filling’s purpose is primarily to restore the health of your tooth, it’s also a preventive measure. The filling seals up the hole in your tooth, preventing bacteria from getting back inside the cavity and causing more damage. Once you’ve cleaned out a cavity in your tooth, the last thing you’d want to do is return for more bacterial treatment in six months.
Treating Cavities Promptly Prevents Future Issues
It’s crucial that you treat a cavity as soon as possible. For one, it restores the appearance of your smile and the health of your tooth, but furthermore, your situation will get worse if you don’t treat your cavity. What starts out as a surface cavity can become a deep infection in your root canals, jeopardizing the health of your entire tooth. When cavities become severe enough over time, they may even cause tooth loss. Getting a filling for your cavity early on prevents this terrible outcome.
Find Tooth-Colored Fillings for Your Tooth at Stubbs Family Dentistry
Stubbs Family Dentistry provides durable, tooth-colored fillings that provide both functional and esthetic healing for your tooth. Schedule your appointment for a filling today by contacting Stubbs Family Dentistry in West Allis, WI at 414-541-8250.
