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A filling can help prevent further deterioration and tooth loss if you have a cavity due to tooth decay. Learn more about fillings and how they help protect your smile against tooth decay.
Your smile is meant to last a lifetime. Tooth loss contributes to reduced wellness and long-term health problems. Tooth enamel can be weakened by prolonged exposure to sugar and the normal wear-and-tear of everyday use.
If tooth decay sets in and is not stopped, a cavity forms. Cavities lead to the breakdown of the tooth structure and can be painful.
Brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits can help prevent tooth decay. But most people develop at least one cavity sometime during their lives.
At Preva Dental in San Antonio, Texas, we offer general dentistry services that include professional cleanings to keep tooth decay at bay.
When she detects a cavity, Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and our team immediately work to protect your oral health.
One way our team stops dental decay and preserves your natural tooth is with fillings. Routine dental checkups help us detect cavities early so we can deal with them quickly before extensive decay occurs.
How a tooth decays
Tooth decay begins as a weakened area of enamel due to mineral loss. Eventually, the decay creates a hole and continues into the deeper regions of the tooth. Cavities that cause pain have progressed into the pulp of the tooth, where nerves reside.
Cavities worsen over time. It’s no wonder that tooth decay is the leading source of tooth loss in adults.
Other symptoms begin showing up as cavities grow worse. Your tooth structure weakens and becomes unhealthy, leading to pain, discomfort when exposed to hot or cold, and feelings of pressure.
How fillings work
Dr. Rasamsetty routinely uses fillings to treat cavities and stop dental decay. After numbing the area to keep you comfortable, she removes the decayed portion of the tooth. She uses a composite resin to fill the remaining cavity.
Larger fillings may need a crown for extra protection and stability.
The numbness fades in a few hours, and you have no remaining effects. The entire process, including necessary X-rays, takes about an hour.
If you think you could benefit from a filling or have concerns about tooth decay, contact us at Preva Dental in San Antonio, Texas, immediately. We’re here to help, and we offer a full slate of general dentistry services for new and existing patients.
Call us at 210-791-7826 or book an appointment online today. We also offer emergency dental care for tooth pain that just can’t wait. Call now if you experience severe tooth pain.