Placing Your Dental Filling

How do we treat cavities in Albuquerque, NM? In many cases, we will provide a natural-looking restoration, such as a dental filling. With treatment, a filling helps restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. But how do we place dental fillings and what steps could patients take to avoid tooth decay down the road?

The Warning Signs of Tooth Decay

How do you know if you have a cavity? If you attend your routine six-month checkups, then we’ll typically identify them before you experience any discomfort. If not, you may not know you have one until you begin to experience tooth sensitivity and toothaches. If you have persistent pain that lasts more than 48 hours, then you need to see your Albuquerque dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring a cavity means a greater risk of a dental infection, one that could require a root canal to address or in advanced cases, an extraction to prevent the spread of infection. Don’t ignore that toothache, see us right away!

Tooth-Colored Fillings

In most cases, we will treat your cavity using a tooth-colored dental filling. Instead of using metal to create them, we instead employ a composite resin. We shade the material to match your tooth structure and after removing the decay, apply it in several layers. As the composite resin cures under a light, the dentist will sculpt and mold your tooth. We end the procedure by polishing your tooth, providing a more lifelike appearance. Your restoration then blends seamlessly with your smile and placement only takes one sitting to complete!

Preventing Future Cavities

How do you avoid future cases of tooth decay? We recommend cutting back on sugary foods and drinks, as the particles left behind to tend to be broken down by bacteria, a process that leads to plaque buildup, weakened enamel, and eventually, cavities. You should also brush your teeth twice a day, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss every night before going to bed. Finally, be sure you take time to see us every six months. During these visits, we examine your smile for signs of decay. We also clean your teeth, a process that completely removes plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your smile, helping you enjoy a brighter smile and reducing the risk of tooth decay!

Does Your Tooth Ache?

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Mark A. Miller and our team will help you enjoy a lifelike and durable solution to dental cavities. Talk to our team today about our restorative treatment options. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation at our Albuquerque, NM, office. We welcome patients and families from Rio Rancho, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and all surrounding communities.

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