Cavities are common, and most adults have or will experience one at some point in their lives. The common nature of their development is one reason why cavities are such a problem. Yet, the fact that they can often be treated conservatively in their earlier stages makes them seem like much less of one. The good news for people who develop a cavity is that, when addressed early, the tooth can often be saved. Today, we take a loot at how filling a cavity saves your tooth, and why you shouldn’t wait to receive one.
The danger behind cavity development
The formation of a cavity is a greater danger to your tooth than you might immediately realize. A cavity, or depression in your tooth structure, is the result of the development of tooth decay – an infection caused by certain types of harmful oral bacteria. This infection is progressive, meaning it will grow more invasive and your cavity will grow larger the longer it remains in your tooth structure. Also, any damaged caused by the decay, including the tooth structure that is lost as the cavity grows, will be permanent and can impact the long-term health and integrity of your tooth.
How a tooth filling treats the cavity
When it comes to treating tooth decay, no matter how severe it is, the key is to remove the bacteria and infected tooth structure first to stop the decay from growing more severe. When a cavity is still mild or moderate, this cleaning can be followed by filling the cavity with biocompatible material, such as tooth-colored composite resin. A custom-designed tooth filling saves your tooth from decay in multiple ways; it restores the structure you’ve lost, helps the tooth regain its strength, and protects the structure from bacteria in the future. With tooth-colored composite resin, your filling will also blend in esthetically with the tooth structure that surrounds it.
What this means for your tooth’s future
The ways in which a tooth filling treats a cavity are designed to not only restore the tooth’s immediate health and integrity, but also preserve them well into the future. Because the damage caused to your tooth structure is permanent, the tooth may still be vulnerable to infection even after the cavity has been cleaned. With a custom filling sealing and protecting the tooth, the risks of reinfection are minimal, as are the chances of you needing more extensive treatment (such as root canal therapy) to save your tooth again.
Save your tooth by filling its cavity
When cavity develops in your tooth, treating it promptly is the best way to save your tooth from more severe infection and more extensive treatment. To learn more about how, or to schedule a consultation, call Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108.
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