Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

What Does a Cavity Look Like?

Say Goodbye to Cavities: Restore Your Smile with White Tooth Fillings at Lakefront Family Dentistry

Cavities, a widespread dental issue, impact individuals across all age groups. If neglected, they may result in tooth decay, discomfort, and eventually tooth loss. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology enable us to address cavities effectively and regain the original appearance of your teeth.

At Lakefront Family Dentistry, we provide white tooth fillings, commonly referred to as composite fillings. These fillings are crafted to blend seamlessly with the color of your adjacent teeth, guaranteeing that your smile remains as radiant as ever.  In this article, we will discuss cavities, white tooth fillings, and why Lakefront Family Dentistry is the ideal choice for your dental needs.

Understanding Cavities: Causes and Symptoms

Cavities, sometimes referred to as dental caries, develop when the tooth enamel is eroded by acids generated by oral bacteria. These bacteria consume sugars and starches, transforming them into acids that gradually wear down the enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Inadequate oral care, regular intake of sugar-laden or acidic foods, and insufficient fluoride exposure are typical elements that play a role in the formation of cavities.

Symptoms of cavities may include tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, visible holes or pits in the teeth, and persistent bad breath. Regular dental checkups are essential in detecting cavities in their early stages, preventing further damage and complications.

What Does a Cavity Look Like?

A tooth cavity can frequently be identified as a tiny, darkened area or opening on the tooth’s surface. Additionally, the affected tooth might display signs of varying discoloration, from light brown shades to a deeper black hue. As the cavity progresses, the hole may deepen, and pain or sensitivity may become more noticeable.

what does a cavity look like?
Before and After Dental Cavities Replaced with White Tooth Filling

To restore the tooth’s health and appearance, a cavity filling is necessary. Seeking professional dental care and following a dentist’s recommendations on how to get rid of cavities, including proper oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups, can help prevent further tooth decay and ensure a healthy smile.

decay and cavities
Patient with Decay and Cavities that Waited a Long Time Before Coming in to see The Dentist.

White Tooth Fillings: A Natural-Looking Solution

In the past, dental professionals typically employed amalgam fillings, which consist of a blend of metals, to address cavities. Although these fillings were efficient, their silver or gray hue made them visibly noticeable, causing apprehension for those who desired a more visually appealing alternative.

White tooth fillings, or composite fillings, are a modern alternative to amalgam fillings that offer numerous advantages. Made from a combination of glass or quartz and resin, these fillings can be customized to match the color of your natural teeth. This means that when you smile or speak, your fillings will blend seamlessly with the surrounding tooth structure, resulting in a more natural appearance.

The Benefits of White Tooth Fillings at Lakefront Family Dentistry

Visual Appeal: A key benefit of white tooth fillings lies in their capacity to match the existing shade of the tooth. This leads to a more attractive restoration, making it a preferred option for individuals who may feel uneasy about the look of conventional amalgam fillings.

Tooth Decay without Fluoride Use and Proper Brushing as Well as Flossing Occurs
Tooth Decay without Fluoride Use and Proper Brushing as Well as Flossing Occurs

 

Lakefront Family Dentistry's Registered Dental Hygienists Will Clean Your Teeth to Avoid More Extensive Dental Work Later in Life from Getting Cavities or Extractions.
Lakefront Family Dentistry’s Registered Dental Hygienists Will Clean Your Teeth to Avoid More Extensive Dental Work Later in Life from Getting Cavities or Extractions.

Durability: Composite fillings are designed to withstand the pressure and wear of daily chewing and biting. Although white tooth fillings might not be as sturdy as their amalgam counterparts, they provide a dependable, enduring solution for addressing small to moderately sized cavities.

Maintaining tooth integrity: Compared to amalgam fillings, white tooth fillings necessitate a smaller amount of healthy tooth structure to be removed. This conservative approach helps preserve the integrity of the tooth, reducing the risk of further damage or complications.

Reduced sensitivity: Composite fillings have a lower rate of temperature sensitivity than amalgam fillings. This means that patients with white tooth fillings may experience less discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.

Environmentally friendly: Unlike amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, composite fillings are metal-free and do not pose any environmental concerns.

Why Choose Lakefront Family Dentistry for White Tooth Fillings?

Lakefront Family Dentistry prides itself on delivering top-notch dental services within a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Our proficient team of dental experts is well-equipped with the latest techniques and technology to guarantee effective and efficient treatment.

Proficiency: Our dentists possess extensive knowledge and experience in white tooth fillings. They meticulously evaluate your needs and devise a tailored treatment plan addressing your specific concerns and objectives. With a focus on accuracy and attention to detail, you can rely on our team to rejuvenate your smile with outstanding results.

Cutting-edge technology: Lakefront Family Dentistry employs state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your white tooth filling procedure is precise and comfortable. Our sophisticated dental tools allow us to work effectively while reducing discomfort, making your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Personalized attention: We understand that each patient has distinct needs, and our aim is to deliver tailored care that addresses your specific concerns. Our team devotes time to understand and address your needs and explore your treatment choices. Lakefront Family Dentistry staff and our dentists, Drs. Phillipe and Hauser, are committed to helping you make well-informed choices regarding your dental well-being.

Peaceful setting: Emphasizing your comfort and well-being, our up-to-date private practice dental office is carefully designed to provide a calming environment, allowing you to unwind during your procedure. Choose to have one of our gentle dental therapy dogs to sit with you during your appointment as well. Our friendly and supportive staff will be there to accompany you throughout your experience.

Preventive focus: At Lakefront Family Dentistry, we emphasize the value of preventive care in maintaining excellent oral health.

In addition to treating cavities with white tooth fillings, we work closely with our patients to develop effective oral hygiene habits and routine dental checkups. This proactive approach helps prevent future cavities and maintain optimal dental health.

Unchecked cavities can give rise to severe dental problems and negatively impact your overall oral well-being. Lakefront Family Dentistry provides white tooth fillings, a contemporary and visually appealing option for addressing cavities while preserving your teeth’s natural look. Rely on our adept dental professionals, cutting-edge technology, and customized care to rejuvenate your smile and assist you in achieving optimal dental health.

Call our office during business hours (951) 244-9495 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, or Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS, and save money by catching tooth decay and a possible cavity before requiring more extensive dental work like a root canal or tooth extraction, which would then require a dental implant, and a CEREC crown.

family dentist - dentist near me lake elsinore - dr. mark phillipe dds - dr. derek hauser dds
Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS, at Lakefront Family Dentistry