Attending routine checkups, among other steps, is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. In fact, a combination of this, brushing and flossing at home, and paying mind to your diet all play a role in the strength of your smile and its ability to fight off dangerous threats such as bacteria and decay. Still, some circumstances lead to the development of minor inconveniences such as cavities, and without proper care, this minor problem can quickly become a major one. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist discusses the importance of seeking treatment early and how a dental filling can provide a seamless finish.
Early Stages of Decay
Just like many other dental concerns, decay begins with hyperactive oral bacteria that have begun to wreak havoc on your oral structures. You see, these bacteria thrive in the warm, moist, hard-to-access areas of the mouth, making the back molars and gum line a prime spot to set up camp. From here, they feed off of the particles from the food we consume, causing them to secrete harmful acids. These acids aid in breaking down the natural structure of our teeth, causing a small hole known as a cavity to form.
With time, decay will progress and become worse and worse until one or more teeth have become compromised and ultimately lost. It begins with the cavity, then the decay works its way down into the inner workings of a tooth. With even more time, the structure itself will essentially rot and next thing you know, you are in need of an extraction for fear of infection compromising the other teeth.
Functional Complications that Arise
In addition to the impact a lost tooth has on your appearance, a cavity and worse can impact your oral function as well. For instance, a cavity is the result of infected or weakened structure, meaning that it cannot withstand standard bite pressure like it once did. What’s more, you may even experience sensitivity as the progression becomes worse, ultimately impacting your ability to speak, chew, and more. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.
A Lifelike Finish
When it comes to preserving your oral health, the best step is to act sooner rather than later. Once a cavity has been identified, it is imperative you seek treatment such as a dental filling to remove the infection and reinforce your smile’s strength. What’s more, treatment nowadays utilizes a composite resin that can be shade-matched to your grin and allow a lifelike appearance.
Learn More Today
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to learn more about restorative dentistry or to schedule your next dental appointment with a member of our team.
