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If you develop a cavity, then your Mansfield, TX, dentist will often treat the problem with a filling, which repairs a tooth in one visit. But when should you see the dentist about treatment? What warning signs indicate the need for a dental filling? Let’s look at the causes of cavities, and when to talk to your dentist about possible treatment options.

Toothaches May Mean Trouble

Several factors could lead to pain in your teeth. For example, a sinus infection, allergy issues, and even changes in altitude could cause pain to form. However, the discomfort will be short-lived and pass after a few hours. Aches that persist after 48 hours often mean a cavity is present and treatment is needed. A cavity forms when harmful bacteria is no longer held at bay by outer layers of tooth enamel. Instead, it can reach the inner dentin, causing tooth decay. The causes of a cavity could include poor oral hygiene, which could weaken and erode tooth enamel, as well as injury to the tooth. Without treatment, a cavity continues to grow and spread throughout the tooth, eventually leading to a dental infection and an increased risk of tooth loss.

Treating Cavities With Fillings

If you experience pain in your tooth, let us know right away. The sooner we treat the issue, the less likely you’ll be to develop a dental infection. A dental filling often addresses cavities in just one visit. We begin by removing the decay from the tooth and then thoroughly cleaning the tooth. Next we prepare the restoration material, a metal-free mixture of glass and acrylic compounds that we can shade to match tooth structure. We place the materials and shape the tooth as we cure the filling under a light. The final step is to polish the tooth, which offers a more esthetically-pleasing appearance.

Avoid Decay in the Future

With a few small changes to your daily routine, you could help limit the risk of cavities forming. First, be sure you’re brushing your teeth for two minutes every night and every morning. Also, make time to floss each morning as well. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, which leave particles behind for bacteria to break down. Finally, see us every six months, so we can watch for the earliest warning signs of a tooth decay and then clean the teeth, removing the plaque buildup that could weaken tooth enamel. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Cavities?

Don’t let your cavity cause an infection or abscess, talk to our team about possible treatment options. To learn more about restorative dentistry, schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.