Your twice a year, routine dental cleaning and checkup includes a thorough inspection of your teeth to catch minor tooth decay issues before they can develop into something more serious. Tooth decay occurs when food particles and residual sugar in the mouth allow bacteria to develop into a film of plaque. These bacteria can be hard to remove from contours and pits in your teeth, allowing the bacteria to attack the crystalline mineral structure that makes up the enamel of your teeth.
If tooth decay is not dealt with early, it can lead to larger issues that might require a crown or even a root canal procedure to repair the full function of the tooth. The most common way to handle minor tooth decay issues is to remove the damaged enamel and apply a filling.
Before applying the filling your dentist will probably take few x-rays to get a clear picture of the health of your enamel and to make sure the decay hasn’t reached the pulp or root of the tooth.
The dentist will then discuss your numbing options. Once the area is sufficiently numb, the dentist will remove all of the tooth decay, leaving only healthy enamel to anchor your filling.
The materials your filling is made from will vary depending on where that tooth is in your smile and its basic function in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best material for your situation.
It’s important to have tooth decay addressed early before it progresses into something more serious. If you have a cavity in one of your teeth please call us at 631-758-6689 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!