Many people believe that fillings only treat cavities and tooth decay. While that is a big part of the role that fillings play in dentistry, fillings can also restore teeth affected in other ways. Tooth-colored, composite fillings can treat cavities, restore damage, and help address the negative effects of teeth-grinding. Restoring a tooth is important to protect it from further damage, decay, or eventual tooth loss. A tooth restored with a filling can look and act like a natural tooth. Your dental team in Olathe, KS can give you more specifics as to why a filling may have been recommended for your smile.
How They Treat Cavities
A cavity happens when tooth decay erodes enough of the tooth’s outer shell (the enamel) away to create a hole. A filling disinfects the tooth to clean out any bacteria causing the erosion and decay. The composite resin material is applied to the tooth to restore the outer protective shell. Enamel cannot grow back on its own, so it is important it is restored. If a cavity is ignored, it will grow and it can ultimately lead to infection inside the tooth.
Restoring Damage
For surface cracks or broken teeth, a filling may be enough to disinfect and restore it. If the damage has caused the inner part of the tooth to be exposed, a root canal treatment may be required. At this point, the tooth may be too vulnerable and a filling may not be enough to protect it. In a situation like this, a dental crown may be used to restore the tooth.
Addressing Bruxism Effects
Bruxism is teeth-grinding. The friction caused by habitual grinding each night can lead to tiny fractures in the teeth. These fractures can leave the tooth susceptible to breakage and bacteria. Restoring the teeth with fillings can help shore up the teeth against the elements. However, if bruxism is not treated, the fractures may continue to be a problem.
Dental Fillings Can Restore Damaged and Decayed Teeth
The short answer is that dental fillings can restore more than just teeth affected by cavities. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.