Tooth decay is the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide. Untreated tooth decay can seriously threaten your oral health and cause pain. Fortunately, it is 100 percent preventable and treatable with restorative treatments like tooth-colored dental fillings. Dr. Taejoon Park provides attractive, tooth-colored dental fillings to treat cavities and restore teeth.
What Is Dental Decay?
Dental decay occurs when sugary foods dissolve dental enamel and dentin. They often appear as dark spots on teeth or can leave a small hole or cavity. Cavities can develop on chewing surfaces, between teeth, tooth roots, and around existing crowns or fillings.
Without treatment, tooth decay can destroy your tooth and the delicate nerves in the tooth's center, lead to a tooth infection, or even require a root canal or extraction.
Signs You Might Need a Cavity Filling
Common signs of tooth decay include:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures or sweet and sour foods
- Torn flossing string, which can indicate a divot or cavity in a tooth
- Damage to a previous filling
- A chipped or fractured tooth
- Food stuck between certain teeth
- Dark spots on teeth
- Teeth that feel rough or have a hole
- Sharp or throbbing pain, especially when chewing food or biting down
Even if you don't have these symptoms, you can still have tooth decay and be unaware of it. This is why seeing your dentist for routine exams and cleanings is so important. These checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and catch or prevent cavities before they have a chance to develop.
What Is a Tooth-Colored Filling?
A tooth-colored filling is made of composite resin that matches the shade of your natural enamel. Unlike silver amalgam fillings of the past, tooth-colored fillings blend in beautifully with your smile. With a tooth-colored filling, you can treat cavities and maintain an attractive grin!
Contact Your Dentist in Dedham
At Park Dental, we want you to have the healthiest smile possible. We love working with patients to improve their oral hygiene and health so they can enjoy functional, problem-free smiles.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, or if you're concerned, you might have a cavity.
We look forward to caring for your smile!