As long as you have your natural teeth, you are at risk for cavities! When detected early, cavities can be easily treated with a tooth-colored filling. Fillings maintain the structure of your teeth to keep them strong and healthy.

When Fillings are Required

Plaque is the bacteria that develops on your teeth from what you eat or drink. This plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, but not doing these things or doing them improperly can leave the plaque to damage the tooth’s structure. This damage results in the formation of a hole called a cavity. An untreated cavity can lead to infection and even tooth loss, so it’s best to get treatment for your cavity right away. Some signs that you might have a cavity and need a filling include a toothache, tooth sensitivity, and pain when you bite down.

Why Tooth-Colored Fillings?

Cavities used to be treated with a filling called amalgam, a mix of silver and mercury. These fillings had a tendency to expand, causing cracks and damage to the tooth. A tooth-colored filling does not use any metal material but uses a composite resin that blends in with the natural tooth! The shade for your filling will be selected based on your natural tooth color, so no one will know you have one and your tooth structure will be preserved.

How to Prevent Cavities

If you want to prevent the need for a filling, you’ll need to prevent cavities from ever developing! Proper brushing twice daily and flossing once a day can remove harmful plaque from your teeth. For plaque and tartar that can’t be removed at home, you’ll want to see your dentist for a regular professional cleaning. During a routine cleaning, your dentist can spot the first signs of a cavity and fill them before they can cause any more damage. If you suspect you have a cavity or want to schedule a regular cleaning, contact Schultz Family Dental today!