Get Flawless Tooth Repair from Lakefront Family Dentistry’s Dentist—Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS

Scared to delve into that big bag of Snickers minis for fear of getting a cavity? Stop worrying, and get the real down-low on cavities here. And if you already have one, no sweat; Dr. Derek Brian Hauser has a fix. Lakefront Family Dentistry uses white tooth fillings to repair damage caused by decay, cracks in the teeth or tooth fractures. White fillings not only repair the damage, but they also look natural to match the healthy teeth perfectly. For more information, schedule an appointment with Riverside County’s leading cosmetic dentist, Dr. Hauser, and Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!

Get the Down-Low on Cavities

To fully understand what happens when the teeth decay, it’s helpful to know what is naturally in the mouth. Here are a few of the elements that influence oral hygiene:

• Saliva
• Plaque
• Calculus
• Bacteria

The teeth and gums are in constant contact with saliva. Although we may not think much about our spit, saliva actually does a lot to protect our oral health. It keeps the teeth and other oral tissues lubricated and moist, which washes away remaining food particles that are left over after eating. Saliva also maintains acid levels in the mouth, and it protects against some bacteria and viruses. Plaque is a gooey, soft substance that clings to the teeth like jam stuck to a spoon. Plaque is essentially small colonies of protozoa, bacteria, mycoplasmas, viruses and yeasts clumping together in a gel-like organic material. Other items, such as bacteria byproducts, food debris and white blood cells, can be found in the mix. When bacteria attach to the teeth and start to multiply, plaque grows. However, it takes hours for plaque to build up to a measurable level. As time passes, different types of microorganisms show up, and the plaque thickens. If plaque is left alone for long enough, it begins to mineralize and harden into tartar or calculus because plaque absorbs phosphorus, calcium and other minerals from saliva. These minerals form crystals and harden the plaque structure. New plaque forms on top of pre-existing calculus, and then, the new layer becomes calcified. Some bacteria are good, and some are bad. There are several different strains of bacteria in the mouth. When referring to decay, streptococcus mutans is the bacterial strain that causes the most damage. It easily attaches to teeth and produces acid.

How Teeth Decay

Certain foods, especially sticky and sweet food, produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. Sugars, particularly sucrose, react with bacteria to form acid, which then decays the teeth. But it’s not just ice cream and candy that are causing problems; all carbohydrate foods, as they are digested, break down into simple sugars, such as fructose and glucose. This digestion begins in the mouth. Cavities form when acids begin to dissolve the tooth’s outer layer. And every time you eat, the bacteria in the mouth produce acid.

A Temecula Cosmetic Dentist Can Safely and Quickly Treat Cavities

At Lakefront Family Dentistry, Temecula cosmetic dentist Dr. Hauser uses white composite to repair cracked or decayed teeth. White composite fillings have several advantages, which makes them the most widely used dental restorations in the United States. These advantages include:

• Easy blending to match the color of surrounding original teeth
• White composite does not contain mercury or other metals
• Direct bonding between the mixture and the tooth, which reduces the need for drilling
• Composite resin fillings can last 10 years or more

Many patients visit our office to fill cavities with white composite filling, and some patients even come to replace their silver amalgam with white composite for cosmetic reasons. Multiple trips to the office are not necessary because this procedure completes in just one visit. Save time and look great at Lakefront Family Dentistry. Whether it’s a tooth filling, cosmetic work or a root canal, our staff can take care of all your dental needs. For a consultation with Dr. Derek Brian Hauser, DDS, Contact Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 or Request an Appointment Online Today!