Are you concerned that you may have a cavity? Visit your Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, for a filling that will protect and restore your tooth.

Who gets cavities?

Cavities are very common. In fact, more than 90 percent of people over 20 have had at least one cavity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although brushing and flossing reduce your risk of tooth decay, you can still develop a cavity if you miss a spot while brushing especially because plaque tends to form in hard-to-reach areas. The spaces between overlapping teeth and tiny pits in your molars are also common sites for cavities.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque mix with sugars in foods to create acids. These acids are so strong that they begin to weaken your tooth enamel and can eventually cause cavities. Brushing and flossing reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth, lowering your cavity risk. Swapping sugary snacks for fruits and vegetables will also decrease the likelihood that you'll develop a cavity.

How do fillings help teeth?

If your dental X-ray shows that you have a cavity, you'll need a filling to prevent the decay from continuing to spread. If cavities aren't treated promptly, they can spread to other teeth or your tooth pulp and can cause dangerous bacterial infections.

Luckily, fillings can help you avoid these tooth decay consequences. When you receive a filling in Shelby, NC, your dentist opens your tooth and removes the decayed portion. Before you receive the filling, you'll receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you don't feel any discomfort during the treatment.

After cleaning the tooth, your dentist adds filling material to seal and restore the tooth. Although silver amalgam fillings used to be the only option, tooth-colored fillings are used today. The fillings are made of composite resin, a flexible glass- and plastic-based material that's available in shades that match the color of your teeth perfectly. Once your filling is in place, you'll be able to chew and bite normally.

Fillings help keep your smile healthy! Call your Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Hendrick, at (704) 484-0077 to schedule an appointment if you have a toothache or are worried about one of your teeth.