Restore Your Oral Health with Treatment for Cavities
Dr. Tim Simpson offers a comprehensive range of dental services to preserve and restore the health of the teeth. One of the most common services includes treatment for cavities. Our Abilene, TX patients can rely on these treatments to repair dental damage and restore the health and strength of the teeth.
Goals of Cavity Treatment
When bacteria begin to eat away at the structure of a tooth, cavity treatment can save a tooth before decay damages the tooth beyond repair. When Dr. Simpson is treating a tooth for a cavity, he has three primary goals:
- Remove any damaged tooth structure
- Rebuild the structure of the tooth
- Provide a seal of protection to block out bacteria
When a cavity is small to moderate in size, all of these goals can be achieved with a dental filling.
The Dental Filling Treatment Process
Most people either have, or will, require a dental filling at some point. Dental fillings are direct restorations that can be placed during one short dental appointment.
To begin treatment, Dr. Simpson will use local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Patient comfort is a top priority, and the numbing solution keeps treatment pain-free. Once the patient is comfortable, any areas of damage or decay can be removed.
This does involve the use of a dental drill, which can be intimidating to many patients. Dr. Simpson is very careful and precise, so patients can be confident they are in good hands.
After removing all signs of damage, a dental compound is applied to the tooth. Dr. Simpson offers tooth-colored fillings that blend in with the natural teeth. This compound replaces any damaged material that has been removed and rebuilds the structure of the tooth.
When Dr. Simpson is satisfied with the fit of the filling, he will harden the material using a special dental light. As the filling hardens, it creates a bond with the natural tooth. Once in place, the dental filling also acts as a seal to prevent bacteria from entering the delicate inner layers of the tooth, where an infection could form.
Alternate Treatments
Most cavities can be effectively treated with a dental filling. However, there are cases in which the cavity grows too large to be adequately repaired with a filling alone.
If damage is severe, Dr. Simpson may recommend an inlay, onlay, or dental crown. All of these are indirect fillings that are fabricated in a dental lab before being bonded to the tooth. Dr. Simpson will discuss these treatment options in further detail with those patients who require more extensive dental repair.
Contact Us
Dr. Tim Simpson offers a wide range of restorative dentistry treatments to address dental problems such as decay and infection. If you have more questions about treatment for dental cavities, or would simply like to learn more about our services, contact us at your earliest convenience. Call (325) 677-6553 to set up a personal consultation.