Tooth Colored Restorations for Cavities

When you have a cavity, the best course of action is to have it treated as soon as possible before it advanced to major tooth decay. Nowadays most patients want tooth-colored restorations for cavities. These may also be your preference for cosmetic reasons. Family dentists Drs. Kent Molino and Todd Vaccaro at Vaccaro Family Dentistry in Niskayuna, NY can treat your dental decay and save your tooth while helping to preserve its appearance.

Causes of Cavities
Cavities are caused by poor dental hygiene, bad bacteria, and the sugar in food that feeds the progression of tooth decay. Children are most prone to cavities because they often eat a lot of sweets and don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. Cavities are also common in patients who don’t make it a point to see their dentist for regular visits (preferably at least two times per year). But the good news is that a cavity can be treated with a tooth colored restoration.

Tooth-Colored Restorations
After a cavity is cleaned and disinfected, the next step is to fill it with a protective material. Amalgam material (also called a silver filling) was the norm in past years because of its durability, but it is very visible when you laugh or talk. The modern solution is a tooth-colored restoration, sometimes called a white filling, which is made of composite material or porcelain. The restoration fits in with the rest of your smile so that no one can tell that you’ve had a cavity filled.

Keeping Your Smile Beautiful and Healthy
Avoid the habits that caused you to have a cavity problem if you want to keep your tooth-colored restoration intact and your whole smile healthy. Here are a few simple tips:

- Brush in the morning and at night, paying close attention to the top surfaces of the teeth to remove film and particles.
- Eat less sugary foods and add more calcium-rich foods to your diet.
- Commit to biannual tooth cleanings and checkups by your Niskayuna, NY family dentist.

Have Your Smile Restored
You can save your damaged tooth while also preserving its white appearance with tooth colored restorations. Call Dr. Kent Molino or Dr. Todd Vaccaro at Vaccaro Family Dentistry in Niskayuna, NY at 518-377-3628. You can rest assured you’ll find a family dentist who is committed to professional and caring dental care.