Tooth Filling

Tooth decay is caused by dental plaque, a clear film of bacteria that grows on your teeth throughout the day and night – if not removed by brushing and flossing, the bacteria contained in dental plaque can produce acids in the presence of sugars. This acid will make holes in your teeth and can progress deep into the inner layers of your tooth, eventually causing a toothache when it reaches your tooth nerve.

Subsequently, the dentist will recommend several options depending on different findings:

• If it is not too deep, and a small hole – the dentist will be able to place a tooth coloured filling
• If it is not too deep, but too large, the doctor will recommend either a crown for your tooth or a partial crown (onlay).
• If it is deep, causing you pain, and has reached the nerve of the tooth – the doctor will recommend root canal therapy, a treatment where the tooth nerve is removed and filled with a rubber material. After the root canal procedure, the doctor will recommend either a crown or an onlay.

Receding gums, bleeding gums, and loose teeth are all signs of gum disease – an infection of your gums by bacteria in the form of dental plaque and dental calculus (hard plaque).

During your routine check-up exam, our doctors will examine the health of your gums with the help of measuring tools, X-rays, and signs of bleeding gums. If a diagnosis of gum disease is reached, our doctors will recommend you go through a professional cleaning regime, possibly antibiotics, and mouth disinfectants.

Gum disease is treatable however require long term commitment and our professional team of doctor will explain how you can help prevent it and stop its progression, and also treat you for the disease.

If you’ve found yourself experiencing any dental trouble, we encourage you to get in touch with us at LN Dental. With years of experience in helping our patients restore their smiles, we’re just the dental professionals to speak to about anything that is troubling you.

To get in touch, give us a call at (02) 9644 1499 or book an appointment today! We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about tooth filling. We’ll be continuing our discussion of dental implants in the second part. So, stay tuned!