Tooth decay occurs when bacteria etch through your tooth enamel, creating a hole inside of it. These bacteria thrive on the acids and sugars in the foods we eat every day. If a cavity is not treated early on with a small filling, the decay may spread to the nerve, resulting in an abscessed tooth or, in extreme cases, hospitalization.
Dental fillings in Aldie allow for minimally-invasive treatment, preventing the spread of decay into adjacent teeth.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
You may believe that the first sign of a cavity is pain or a toothache. Unfortunately, it is not as obvious as that. Although some cavities can and will often cause pain or discomfort, the following are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Sensitivity to sweets
- An “off” feeling in your tooth
- A rough or sharp edge you feel with your tongue
- Food gets stuck in your teeth during meals
- Floss shredding or breaking in certain areas
- A bad taste in your mouth
Types of Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a type of restorative treatment that repairs voids created by tooth decay. These restorations are designed to look like tooth enamel, so that they can be blended seamlessly with your overall tooth structure. It’s always best to detect cavities while they are small, so we recommend intermittent X-rays to screen for infection between teeth, where we can’t see during a visual exam.
Dr. Rivera offers several different types of fillings that offer both oral health and aesthetic appeal.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
The most significant benefit of white fillings is that they are the least invasive restorative option for teeth. Because of the way they adhere to enamel, only the damaged structure needs to be removed, preserving as much healthy enamel as possible.
Gold Fillings
Gold restorations are less common these days, but they were once very popular. In fact, gold was once the only filling option. When you get a gold filling, you can easily maintain it for up to 30 years.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
These fillings contain glass and acrylic components. While glass ionomer restorations are often too brittle to withstand a lot of force, they do have the advantage of releasing fluoride into your enamel in highly cavity-prone areas.
Early Treatment is Essential
Prevent your cavity from spreading. Give our Aldie dentist a call to schedule your consultation and to discuss which dental filling is best for you!
