Dr. Brock Hyder is a general dentist in Payette, ID. The most common type of dental problem he sees on a daily basis is tooth decay. Tooth decay, commonly referred to as a cavity, is caused by a failure to remove plaque from the teeth. The plaque is filled with bacteria and will begin to eat away at the surface of the tooth literally creating a hole in the tooth. The hole will continue to grow larder and cause serious damage if it is not treated.
What do dental fillings treat?
Dental fillings clean and seal out tooth decay and protect teeth from further damage. Modern dental fillings are a safe and effective dental treatment for maintaining a healthy smile.
Created from a biocomposite resin “white” filling, dental fillings blend in with existing teeth for a natural look. Dental fillings not only look great, but are an excellent way to treat tooth decay and damage. Cavities that are left unaddressed can result in tooth loss, which compromises your oral health even further. Many patients may expect dental fillings to be a painful treatment, but this option actually relieves the pain caused by damage and decay.
Dental Fillings: What To Expect
Dr. Brock Hyder will assess the tooth or teeth that need the dental filling before treatment. Anesthetic is used to numb the area being worked on for your comfort. Next, Dr. Hyder will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Then the tooth or teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. A biocomposite material will be place directly on the tooth to ‘fill in’ the hole created by the decay. The last step is to cured the resin material with a special light. Dr. Hyder may need to make some adjustments to assure your bite is normal. The final restoration is polished for a natural shine.
This restoration will last for years with the right dental care. Make sure you brush and floss twice a day and schedule yearly dentist visits to maintain your smile. In addition, old metal fillings that are broken can easily be replaced by white dental fillings. Traditional metal fillings made up of dental amalgam may contain elemental mercury. Modern white dental fillings are made of safe and durable material. Dr. Hyder will examine your old metal fillings at each routine dentist appointment to check for instability. If needed, he will suggest removing it and will review al your treatment options.
What will happen if I ignore a cavity?
If your dentist diagnoses you with tooth decay, the best thing to do is have it filled right away. What starts out as a tiny hole can eventually turn into an extraction. The bacteria that is eating away at the tooth will continue to do so until it is stopped. Eventually, the bacteria will enter the inside of the tooth can cause an infection that requires a root canal. If that infection is still left to fester, it will eventually reach the tooth root creating a very painful condition called an abscess. Treatment for an abscess includes an incision to allow the puss to drain out, a root canal, or an extraction.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you concerned for the health of your teeth? Maybe you have old broken metal fillings. Clean and protect your teeth from damage and decay. Call Payette Dental at 208.243.9807. Dr. Hyder and his team provide comfortable and comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.