Don’t Delay That Treatment Any Longer
Did we notice some tooth decay during your last visit and recommended that you schedule an appointment to have it filled? If you have delayed scheduling an appointment, we suggest calling today. We know that it can be nerve-racking for certain patients to have dental work performed. If you fall into this category, we want to reassure you that, with today’s technology, having a cavity filled is a walk in the park. To ease some of the anxiety, It can be helpful for patients to understand the steps of their upcoming treatment. Continue reading to learn more about the steps of a filling and why it is important to schedule your appointment sooner rather than later.
What is a Filling?
When bacteria and decay wear away tooth enamel, you are left with a small hole, also known as a cavity. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems amongst children, teens, and adults. When scheduled immediately upon diagnosis, the treatment for a cavity is a filling. This is the process of using composite, or tooth-colored bonding material, to fill in the tooth after the cavity has been removed.
Steps During a Filling
Before your appointment, you can brush and clean your teeth as usual. When the process begins in the office, first we will numb the area using a local anesthetic. Once the area is numb, Dr. Estrada will remove any decay from the tooth. He will then use the composite material to fill the hole in the tooth. The doctor ensures that you have a proper and comfortable bite before finishing by smoothing and polishing the tooth. Following a filling, we recommend not eating or drinking until you have no more numbness in the mouth.
Don’t Delay
If you feel nervous when you come to the dentist and avoid scheduling your treatment appointments, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it is the worst mistake you can make. Delaying dental treatments—even a simple filling—can lead to more involved and more extensive treatments. Cavities do not heal on their own. In fact, they get progressively worse over time, so please schedule your appointments as they are recommended.
If you are ready to schedule your appointment for a filling or any other treatment we recommended, we would love to hear from you. We look forward to seeing you at our office located in The Woodlands soon!
