Cavities can cause major discomfort and leave teeth vulnerable to infection or even tooth loss. When possible, we want to help people avoid cavities, and can provide treatment to slow the development and repent the need for a filling. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about the benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).
The Warning Signs and Causes of Tooth Decay
A warning sign of a cavity could include tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a persistent toothache that doesn’t pass after a day or two. When you have discomfort in your smile, please see us right away. But if you attend checkups and cleanings every six months, then we can likely identify decay in the earliest stages of demineralization, which means we could use treatments like Silver Diamine Fluoride to halt the cavity and prevent the need for a filling, and help you avoid discomfort.
Prevention with SDF
Fluoride itself is often used to help protect smiles, as this naturally occurring mineral has been shown to strengthen weakened portions of enamel to keep cavities at bay. With Silver Diamine Fluoride, our team can use fluoride combined with water and silver to destroy the harmful bacteria weakening your enamel. This halts the decay and prevents the need for a filling or crown placement. The treatment is safe for kids and adults alike. The eroded portions of enamel may appear a darker color following treatment, so we typically reserve this for the less visible side and rear teeth. The placement process only takes a few minutes, and helps protect your smile from painful cavities and infections, so you can smile with confidence!
Dental Fillings
What if you have enamel erosion that already caused a cavity to form? If the issue is beyond treatment with SDF, then we can instead place a filling. The process only takes one visit and we use a metal-free filling material known as composite resin. The material can be shaded to blend with your tooth, and bonds with it to ensure a long-lasting restoration. After placement, we polish your tooth for a brighter appearance.
If you have any questions about using SDF to prevent cavities, or about treating tooth decay with our data fillings, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and wholly smile!
Learn More About Preventing Tooth Decay
We would like to help you and your family avoid the dangers of a cavity, so you know when to see us for treatment. To learn more about how we prevent or treat tooth decay, give us a call at Celina Family Dentistry at (214) 851-0130! With the right steps, you and your whole family can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.
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