No one wants to discover tooth pain, and there is certainly not a person on earth who gets excited by the prospect of a cavity. That said, if you do suspect you might have a cavity, you should not let fear hold you back from seeking treatment. If caught early, the damage done by a cavity can usually be repaired with a minimally invasive treatment. And, thanks to advances in modern-dentistry, you don’t have to worry about having a shiny piece of metal marring your beautiful smile, either. Tooth-colored fillings can help restore a tooth after a cavity, while still maintaining your smile’s natural beauty.
Treating a Cavity
The first step in treating a cavity, is diagnosing the problem. Your dentist can use an x-ray to confirm whether a cavity is truly the cause of your tooth sensitivity or pain. If so, the dentist will clean and smooth the area, so that a tooth-colored filling can be applied. Without some form of protection, your tooth is at risk of becoming infected. Tooth-colored fillings rely on a biocompatible resin material to fill the hole, helping to restore your smile cosmetically while effectively protecting your fragile tooth.
Why Wait?
When you delay treatment, a developing cavity will likely worsen, often causing an infection that may require root canal treatment. If you’ve noticed heightened sensitivity, a grey or black line along one tooth, or are having tooth pain, you should schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.
Twice annual professional cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, but also make sure cavities are detected early enough for simple restorative treatment to be effective.