In fact, most adults over the age of 20 will have a cavity at some point in their life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 91% of adults will have some form of tooth decay. When you have a cavity, you need to seek treatment. Otherwise, the decay will advance.
To treat cavities, you must get a dental filling. Dentists use dental fillings to stop the development of cavities. Moreover, the dental filling will provide support to the tooth once they remove the decay. Without a dental filling, the cavity can cause an infection, which may need antibiotics or a root canal for treatment.
The process of getting a dental filling is simple and painless. Your dental team will make sure that you don’t feel any pain. Getting a dental filling will remove any decay and help support your tooth. It will eliminate any discomfort you may experience due to your cavity. We provide treatment for cavities as one of our preventive dental care services.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities (or dental caries) are areas of decay in your teeth. Initially, you may not notice a cavity until it causes you discomfort. As a cavity advances, it destroys portions of your tooth. However, it will continue to burrow into your tooth until you seek treatment. Some early symptoms include pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or visible black or brown spots on your teeth. As the cavity worsens, you can experience constant or sharp pain.
Poor oral health and diet are the leading causes of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth, you remove a harmful bacteria called plaque. Plaque clings to every surface in your mouth, slowly eroding your enamel and soft tissues. The plaque will consume leftover food particles and sugar, creating acid. Unfortunately, the acid will destroy your enamel and form a pit or cavity.
To avoid cavities, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Additionally, you need to floss daily. Flossing allows you to remove plaque between your teeth and underneath your gum line—where your toothbrush can’t reach. Also, you should consider limiting your sugar intake.
Filling Process
When your dentist identifies a cavity, they must remove the decayed material. However, before they can remove it, they will numb the area. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during your procedure.
Next, they will use a drill or laser to remove the decayed portion of your tooth. After this, they will thoroughly clean the area to make sure there is no chance of infection. If they were to leave bacteria, you could develop another cavity under the filling.
Then, your dentist will fill the cavity with a dental filling. If you get a composite filling, they will need to use a light to cure the resin. This will ensure that the filling is strong and steady.
Finally, they will shape the filling to ensure a proper bite. This means that they will file the filling to fit comfortably with your other teeth.