Have you ever felt a slight twinge when enjoying your morning coffee or noticed a faint sensitivity when indulging in your favourite sweet treat? It’s easy to dismiss these small signs, hoping they’ll simply go away. But often, they’re your teeth’s way of crying out for attention. At Ava Dental, we understand that life gets busy and that a trip to the dentist can easily slip down the priority list, but early action can make all the difference between a minor filling and more extensive treatment later on.
If you're in Narre Warren and wondering whether you might need a dental filling, you're not alone. Protecting your smile starts with understanding the early signs of tooth decay and knowing your treatment options.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Your tooth is made up of layers; the outermost layer is the enamel. When bacteria and acids break down your tooth enamel, it can lead to a hole in your tooth, known as a cavity. If not addressed promptly, this cavity can worsen and lead to pain, infection or even tooth loss.
That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to the symptoms of tooth decay, including the following:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks
- A visible hole or dark spot on your tooth
- A sharp pain when you bite down or chew
- A dull ache or throbbing sensation
- Consistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
Understanding the Dental Filling Process: What You Need to Know
The most common treatment option for tooth decay is a composite filling. We’ll ensure your comfort during this procedure and work to restore your tooth’s beauty and function. The process takes less than an hour so that you can return to your day with only a minor interruption.
Here’s what to expect from the dental filling procedure:
- Numbing the area — First, we’ll gently numb the entire area surrounding your tooth. That way, you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
- Removing decay — Using specialised dental tools, we will carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth.
- Cleaning the tooth — Once the decay is removed, we will thoroughly clean your tooth’s cavity to eliminate any remaining bacteria or debris.
- Applying composite material — Then, we’ll carefully place thin layers of composite resin into the cavity. After applying each layer, a special curing light hardens the material.
- Shaping and polishing — After the filling is sufficiently built up, we will shape it to match your tooth’s natural contours and polish it to look and feel natural.
- Checking your bite — The last step involves ensuring your filling is comfortable and properly fits your bite. If necessary, we can make minor adjustments.
Other Treatment Options
While composite fillings are the most common way to repair and restore your decayed tooth, they’re not your only option.
Depending on the size and location of your cavity, you might consider one of these alternatives:
- Inlays and onlays — A composite filling may not be enough when your tooth has extensive decay. Inlays and onlays are customised pieces that fit over your damaged tooth without completely covering it.
- Dental crowns — If your tooth is severely weakened from decay, a dental crown might be the best way to preserve your tooth. A crown covers your entire tooth, restoring your smile’s function and appearance.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay and Maintain a Healthy Smile
At Ava Dental, we believe preventive care is the best way to avoid tooth decay and other dental issues. Good oral hygiene habits can help you minimise your risk of numerous dental concerns.
Some of the ways to prevent oral health issues include:
- Brushing your teeth — You should brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing your teeth — Floss can reach the areas your toothbrush can’t, so be sure to floss between each tooth once a day.
- Visiting your Narre Warren dentist — We recommend a routine check-up and clean every six months. This allows us to remove plaque buildup and monitor your oral health.
- Watching your diet — Limiting the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume is essential. These sweet treats feed the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.
- Drinking plenty of water — When you drink water throughout the day, it washes away food particles and bacteria and helps you maintain an adequate saliva level.
Questions about Cavities in Narre Warren, VIC?
To learn more about tooth decay and what we can do to preserve your smile, we welcome you to contact our dental team! At Ava Dental, we strive to help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime, and dental fillings are a standard treatment option in our clinic.
If you’d like to arrange an appointment with us, you can call us on (03) 8790 2500.
We hope to hear from you soon.