Tooth Colored Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are used to restore teeth after trauma or decay has eroded or broken any portion of a tooth. Decay occurs when bacteria present in the mouth metabolize the sugars from foods that have been eaten. This metabolism results in the production of acids. These acids begin to break down and demineralize the hard outer layer of the teeth (the enamel). Once decay progresses past a certain point, it is deemed a “cavity” and must be treated.
Decay at this point will not go away on its own, no matter how well you brush, floss, and rinse. This bacterial infection will only grow and thrive with time, eroding and compromising more of the tooth’s natural structure. It is important to treat decay as soon as it progresses past the enamel, as the inner layers of the teeth are much softer, and decay can move very quickly through it.
Rickoff Dentistry can help! The only way to remediate a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area, gently remove the decayed area, and will then restore the treated part of the tooth using a tooth-colored filling material. After the composite filling material is carefully shaped and molded to resemble the tooth’s natural form, it is light cured to set the material, leaving your tooth in a state of proper form and function.
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