If you’ve had a dental filling in the past, you might have had a metal amalgam filling.
These days, the material of choice for dental fillings Dr. Bridges recommends is composite resin. Here’s why and what you need to know about tooth-colored fillings in Paducah, KY.
What Is a Composite Resin Filling?
Composite resin combines fine resin and glass particles that Dr. Bridges can customize and blend to match your tooth. Tooth-colored composite fillings are durable, reliable, and actually preserve more of your natural tooth structure than a metal filling.
They’re bonded directly to your tooth and seamlessly blend with your smile, so no one will ever notice your dental work. They also provide the strength and durability to chew and eat your food comfortably.
Why It’s Important to Fill a Cavity
If your tooth has decay, it’s essential to be proactive about completing a dental filling to prevent the bacteria and decay from spreading and causing further damage. Tooth decay that is left untreated eventually makes its way into the nerve of your tooth, where it can cause a painful infection.
Once your tooth is infected or abscessed, you’ll need root canal treatment to eliminate the infection and restore it to health. If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can damage it to the point where it’s unsalvagable and even spread to neighboring teeth and other parts of the body.
The Telltale Signs of Tooth Decay
If your tooth has been compromised by decay, you may notice these signs and symptoms:
- Darkening or discoloration of your tooth
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- Visible holes or pits in your tooth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or sweets
Even though there are signs and symptoms, tooth decay moves slowly, and you may not be aware of it until the damage has been done. This is why routine teeth cleanings and checkups with your dentist in Paducah, KY, are so important because Dr. Bridges can identify tooth decay in its earliest stages.
Contact Smile Station online or by calling us at (270) 408-1234 to book your next dental appointment.
