Cavities and Dental Fillings

Cavities are relatively common dental problems, but they can be addressed quite quickly and quite easily. It’s important that any tooth decay that you’re dealing with should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further tooth damage or even pain, acute dental sensitivity, and tooth loss. The team here at our Memphis area cosmetic dentistry practice is able to address a number of different dental care needs through a wide variety of treatments. We at Germantown Dental Group would like to take this opportunity to discuss the basics of cavities and tooth decay and to discuss how dental fillings work.

Essentially, a cavity is the result of the bacteria inside a person’s mouth. (This bacteria is also responsible for many cases of bad breath or halitosis.) When food particles are left on the teeth, the bacteria feeds on these, turning the carbohydrates of these food particles into substances that are harmful to the enamel and dentin layers of a tooth. This will eat away at these tooth layers over time, leading to a cavity. The best ways to prevent cavities from forming include brushing at least twice a day and flossing every night.

To deal with cavities and prevent the spread of tooth decay, a filling is usually put in place. The filling is created from special composite materials that are safe and match the natural color of your tooth. First the tooth must be prepped from the filling, which involves the removal of the decayed material of the tooth. Once this is accomplished, the filling is set and put in place. The treatment is really that straightforward.

For more substantial tooth decay, treatments other than fillings may be required. Inlays and onlays, for instance, are good options for more substantial matters of tooth decay on the biting surfaces of teeth. Dental crowns may be ideal for major tooth decay that harms the overall integrity of a tooth. In addition to these, you may also want to consider Memphis porcelain veneers to help beautify your smile if your have other dental problems that need to be addressed. These can all be discussed at length at our practice.

To learn more about your many options for enhancing the appearance of your smile and improving your overall dental health, contact our cosmetic dentists near Memphis today.