How Dental Fillings Fix Cavities and Save Teeth

Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Even this, however, is still susceptible to damage when proper oral hygiene is not kept. Daily brushing and flossing are important to remove plaque and food debris from the surface of the teeth. Why is plaque so bad? It houses harmful bacteria that produce acids as they eat the sugars found in your mouth. These acids can eventually damage the teeth enamel and create a cavity. When this occurs, your dentist at 14th Avenue Dentistry in Markham, ON is here to treat it with a composite tooth-colored filling to restore the tooth to health.

What do composite fillings do?

When a tooth develops a cavity, it’s important for the decay to be removed as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse and doing more damage. A filling does just what the name says – fills in the portion of tooth that is removed. It protects the tooth and restores its strength, appearance, and function.

What if I don’t get a tooth filled?

Leaving a cavity untreated will allow it to continue to grow and cause more damage to the tooth. It could eventually reach the center of the tooth where the pulp is contained, at which point a root canal will be needed to remove the decay and save the tooth. If the root canal is also skipped, the tooth will eventually have to be extracted. Throughout all this, the cavity will be causing pain, so it’s beneficial to get it treated as quickly as possible.

What are the benefits of composite fillings?

The biggest benefit is that fillings save the majority of the tooth structure. All of the decay is removed along with only a small portion of healthy tooth structure. The composite fillings are bonded directly to the tooth and can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth. Additionally, the composite has the same translucent appearance as dental enamel, so the filling is practically indistinguishable from the natural tooth.

What’s the best way to avoid decay?

The best way to avoid ever needing fillings is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes daily brushing and flossing as well as regular appointments to 14th Avenue Dentistry in Markham, ON for exams and cleanings. With diligent maintenance you should be able to enjoy beautiful, healthy teeth for a long time.