Inconsistent oral hygiene practices can increase your chances of having a cavity. Without timely treatment, the general tooth decay can slowly spread throughout the tooth. In time, it could even start to penetrate the interior of the tooth, leading to potentially serious complications. Early detection and treatment at Designer Smiles Dentistry can make it possible to repair the cavity with a filling before serious complications arise.
To do this, your dentist, Dr. Wayne W. Hsieh, will examine the tooth to assess the extent of the decay and assess the overall health of the tooth. Then, he will numb the tooth and surrounding gums before using a drill to remove the decayed enamel. This creates a clean, healthy enamel surface for the final filling to adhere to.
The specific material Dr. Wayne W. Hsieh recommends for your filling will depend on the tooth’s primary function and its appearance in your smile. Composite resin and amalgam fillings can be applied to small fillings to repair the cavity in a single appointment.
Composite fillings are made from a special dental plastic that can be shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel. This makes them a good choice for repairing a cavity on a tooth that’s prevalent in your smile.
Amalgam fillings are made from a blend of metals. They are more durable than composite fillings, making them a better option for molars and premolars that are called upon to do a lot of chewing and grinding.
If you are concerned that a cavity has formed on one of your teeth and you would like to learn more about dental fillings in Garden City, New York, you should call 516-280-4020 to have it treated and repaired at Designer Smiles Dentistry.