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Prevention and early treatment of dental problems are the best ways to protect your teeth. Tooth decay can often be prevented with good oral hygiene, mindful eating and drinking, and regular visits to your dentist. But even with our best effort, tooth decay can still happen to cause cavities in our teeth. Once tooth decay causes a cavity in your tooth’s enamel, it is important to treat it to stop the tooth decay from spreading. A filling can stop tooth decay from going further inside your tooth. 

Protection Against More Damage

Tooth decay is a progressive disease that will continue to get worse and worse until it is treated. First, tooth decay will attack the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. As the decay worsens, it can pass the enamel and deepen into the next layer of the tooth, the dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and the decay will get through it faster than the enamel. Without treatment, a hole in the enamel will get bigger, and cause the tooth to be susceptible to breakage. The hole can become a hiding place for leftover food and drink particles, which can cause further decay. Without treatment, the decay will reach the inner tissue or pulp of the tooth. At this painful stage, root canal treatment is typically needed to save the tooth from extraction.

What Is A Filling?

A filling is the process of removing decay and damaged tooth material, disinfecting the tooth and surrounding area, and filling the tooth with a composite bonding material. Composite bonding material is similar to the look and texture of a tooth, which can restore the tooth’s function and appearance. The disinfected, filled tooth will have a strong defense against breakage and continuing tooth decay.

A filling can save your tooth

Talk to Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris about fillings and other ways to protect your teeth. Schedule a consultation at Mansfield Dental Associates by calling 817-473-6227. Located in Mansfield, TX, we also welcome patients and families from all surrounding communities including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.