My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.
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Many patients rationally know that their dentist is trying to help them when they go in for a filling. But for whatever reason, the dental drill can make many patients anxious. If you need to get a cavity filled, here are four methods to inquire about.
Ask about Fluoride for Early Decay
Dentists look at decay a lot differently than they did in the past. Science Alert says that dentists used to see decay as a rapidly progressing disease, but researchers have found that it takes four to eight years for decay to reach a tooth's inner layer. If you have very mild decay, stay on top of your annual or biannual cleanings. You may not need a filling as long as your dentist is monitoring the decay with X-rays. Early signs of decay can be treated with high concentrations of fluoride varnishes instead of drilling.
Ask about Air Abrasion
Instead of using a high-speed hand piece to drill away tooth decay, some dentists can use air abrasion instruments. These machines send a fine stream of aluminum oxide, baking soda, or silica particles to remove decayed pieces of enamel. Although these machines make sounds, they are much more palatable than the noise of a dental drill. If you have light decay on a tooth, the dentist may not even have to numb you to use air abrasion.
Ask about Sedative Methods
If the dentist absolutely needs to use a high-speed bur, then ask about sedation options. You could request a nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mask, or you could go to an office that provides deeper or even complete sedation. Lighter sedation methods are often recommended since they are easier to recover from but still provide relief from pain and/or anxiety.
Ask about Resin Infiltration
Resin infiltration is a relatively new method to treat interproximal decay (cavities between teeth). During resin infiltration, your dentist will first clean these interproximal spaces with an abrasive gel. This gel not only cleans out the cavity but prepares the surface for the filling material. Once the area is clean, your dentist will then push a liquid resin through the teeth. The resin is absorbed into the prepared area. The dentist will then use a curing light so that the resin will harden.
Like air abrasion, resin infiltration can often be done not only without drilling, but without anesthetic! This restorative option can be better than high-speed drills since the dentist doesn't have to remove healthy tooth matter to get to a decayed area.
As you can see, even if you are an anxious patient, there are many options to help you get through the whining of the dental drill or avoid it altogether. For more information on tooth filling services, contact a dentist in your area today.
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