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Effective Strategies for Preventing and Treating Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common problems that people face, and it's the most prevalent condition in children and teenagers. Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable with excellent home care, routine dental cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments.

Food and beverages create a deposit in your mouth that germs love. Bacteria produce an acidic environment, which erodes the protective enamel of your teeth. The bacteria cause significant harm once they penetrate your enamel and reach the weaker dentin inside your tooth.

Untreated decay weakens the tooth structure, causes pain, and eventually results in tooth loss. The sooner you seek tooth decay treatment, the less complicated and expensive it will be in the long run. Unfortunately, tooth decay is a permanent condition that doesn't go away on its own, so it's important you practice excellent oral hygiene.

Filling Restorations In The 77627 Area

How Tooth Fillings Work

We begin your filling appointment by ensuring that you are entirely relaxed. A local anesthetic may be used to keep you from feeling any sensations throughout your treatment. You can always choose not to receive an anesthetic if you have minor decay.

Before installing your filling, your dentist will carefully remove the decay from your tooth and disinfect the area to ensure it is free of bacteria. Composite fillings can be made to match the color of your teeth, so your filling will blend in and look completely natural.

Once the tooth is clear of infection, we layer the filling material and cure it with a specific light to harden it. Your dentist will then smooth, shape, and polish your new tooth filling to ensure it fits seamlessly with your smile. You can chew on your filling shortly after treatment, but if you have received anesthesia, please be careful not to bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek.

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