The most common advice you hear from your dentist and from other sources is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss every night. Doing this will help reduce your chances of developing cavities. Of course, sometimes we slip up and don’t take the best care of our teeth, but that’s okay since there are plenty of options available for treating tooth decay and cavities. Many people come to our practice for cosmetic dentistry in Houston in order to address such problems.
About Tooth Decay and Cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are caused by the bacteria inside of the mouth. This bacteria is naturally there and will feed on food particles on your teeth. This process will erode the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth over time, leading to compromised tooth structure and unsightly staining and damage. With our digital x-ray technology and other advanced diagnostics, our Houston-based cosmetic and restorative dentists can address even the smallest cavities efficiently and precisely.
Options for Dental Fillings
There are plenty of ways that we can fill cavities. One of the most well-known treatments is the use of fillings. In the past, dental fillings were made of metal amalgam substances. Once the decayed portion of the tooth was removed, the metal filling was placed and allowed to set.
Those metal fillings, however, are a thing of the past. At our practice, we prefer to use white fillings to take care of cavities. When in place, these white fillings are undetectable, with no telltale discoloration. People will not even realize that you have cavities. To them, it’ll seem like a perfect smile.
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings are Superior
There are many reasons why tooth-colored dental fillings are better than metal ones. The aesthetics are just skimming the surface. For one, tooth-colored fillings require less removal of tooth structure to place, meaning that you retain more healthy tooth structure with ceramic fillings
Most importantly, tooth-colored fillings are much safer in the long run. Metal fillings of the past sometimes contained mercury, which is highly toxic. On top of this, metal fillings could expand or contract slightly with fluctuations of hot and cold temperatures, which can potentially damage teeth over time. That’s not an issue with tooth-colored fillings.
Options for More Severe Tooth Decay
While fillings are effective for most cavities, they are not the only tool to deal with tooth decay. More severe tooth decay will call for ore substantial dental restorations. Let’s give these options a quick look right now.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are similar to tooth-colored fillings. It might be easier to think of them in those terms. Essentially, inlays and onlays are set to restore tooth structure and the biting surfaces of teeth.
Dental Crowns
For major tooth damage or decay, the best option for your needs is Houston dental crowns. These dental crowns are caps that are placed right atop the tooth in question. This provides and aesthetically appealing appearance while protecting the tooth from further damage.
About Dental Care Treatment Options
To learn more about dental fillings and the many treatment options out there for tooth decay, contact our Houston cosmetic and restorative dentistry practicetoday.
