Do your teeth feel more sensitive than usual? Has your tooth been aching? Maybe you’ve noticed that it has started to darken. If you’re currently dealing with any of these things, you may have a cavity that needs to be treated.
If cavities are left unaddressed, the decay can spread to the root of your tooth, in which case root canal therapy, or even tooth extraction, may be necessary to fully remedy your smile.
Fortunately, our local dentist in Winnipeg is here to help you conquer cavities and restore the functionality of your tooth. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
What is a Cavity? How Are They Treated?
Cavities, sometimes called dental caries, occur when there’s a buildup of decay on or inside your tooth. This problem is often caused by eating too many sugary foods and poor oral hygiene.
Cavity formation is actually a very common dental issue, so, if you do find yourself dealing with one, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there is a simple solution that will help repair your smile, and that’s receiving a dental filling.
A dental filling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves scraping out the decay inside your tooth and sealing it with a special substance. Fillings can be fabricated from metal or composite resin. In the past, metal (silver amalgam, to be more precise) has been the most frequently used material because it’s extremely durable and affordable. However, it is also very noticeable when you talk or laugh. In comparison, composite resin easily blends in with the natural shade of your teeth.
Before you go ahead and receive any form of dental treatment, including composite dental fillings near you, be sure to book an initial consultation with your dentist. They can let you know if you’re an ideal candidate for this process and if it is the most prudent way forward. If not, your dentist will be able to recommend an alternative.
What to do After Getting a Filling
Even after you’ve received a filling from a dentist near you, you still need to practice good oral health habits so that your filling lasts a long time and doesn’t need to be replaced.
Noted below are some tips to help you do this:
1.Eat properly.
You need to allow your mouth some time to heal following your treatment; eating soft foods like cooked vegetables, smoothies, and applesauce are all good choices. Consume foods that are high in dairy as well because the calcium that they contain will strengthen your smile.
2.Take painkillers if needed.
If your mouth is sore, take Advil or Tylenol. These medications will help alleviate any pain you may be feeling and help you carry on with your day and sleep at night.
3.Be gentle!
More specifically, be gentle when you’re brushing and flossing after mealtimes. You still need to clean the treated area so that no more bacteria or decay can amalgamate and damage the tooth even further.
4.Use ice.
Pressing an ice pack against the side of your face that’s received the filling will help any swelling or inflammation go down. You may want to consider brushing toothpaste designed to reduce tooth sensitivity too.
5.Talk to your dentist.
If you need more information or experience any discomfort that won’t go away, talk to your dentist so they can take any necessary steps to help you get back to normal.
At Greenwoods Pediatric Dentistry, we offer composite dental fillings in Winnipeg. This treatment is safe and reliable for patients of all ages. Our amazing team will ensure that you’re taken care of the entire time. Visit our website, give us a call, or come by our practice in person to set up an appointment today!