How Dentists Fix Cavities

There is a lot of nervous feelings that arise when you find out you have a cavity. That’s understandable. You might worry about pain, if a filling will be noticeable, or how much it will cost. We understand these concerns and want to make sure you feel comfortable and know everything that’s going on

So…

How do dentists fix cavities?

Cavities show up when acid from sugar and starch causes your tooth to decay and lose minerals. When you don’t floss and brush regularly to remove the plaque buildup, erosions is sure to accrue and your tooth will lose minerals causing a cavity. Watch this short video that more about how tooth decay occurs.

To stop further erosion from happening, a filling needs to be applied to fill the loss of the tooth.

Here’s what you can expect when getting a cavity filled:

Dentists dry your mouth (this is the sucking tube that catches your tongue) and apply a numbing gel to the area where they will administer a small shot into the gum near the tooth. This is so you don’t feel any pain. The plaque will then be removed.

Next, the decayed part of the tooth needs to be taken out so a fresh filling can be put in. This is done with a small drill. At this point, you will be glad you got a shot. An assistant will also use the suction tube and a water sprayer to such up the drilled tooth dust while also keeping your mouth clean.
Once your tooth is cleaned from the decay, a small piece of a liner will be placed in our mouth to prevent tooth sensitivity. Now that a part of your tooth is missing, it will tend to be sensitive.
Now your tooth will get filled with a filling material. There are many fillings to choose from: here is a list of what material your tooth can get filled with:

Amalgam Fillings are metallic and very hard. These are ideal for molars in the back of your mouth where you chew.

Composite Fillings are made up of quartz and glass and are made to match the color of your teeth making them unnoticeable. They are pretty strong and are good to use for small areas that are not used for a lot of chewing

Ceramic fillings are the same color as teeth and are more stain resistant but can cost as much as gold.

Metal fillings are very strong and can last up to ten to fifteen years before a replacement is needed. Silver and gold can be used though gold cost ten times more.

Glass and acrylic fillings are made to excrete fluoride that will preserve teeth and prevent cavities. They are not as strong as other fillings thought and could need replacing after five years.

Seems like a lot of options uh? Don’t worry, the dentists will help you decide on the best option and educate you on what you can expect from your new filling. So once you get your filling, you need to make sure you take proper care of it. Your filling will probably be a little sensitive after it’s put in and you should’ stop your normal oral health routine. You can also help the sensitivity with certain toothpaste that’s made to help sensitive teeth.

Cavities are never ideal, but You can feel comfortable and confident that the Pleasant View dentists at Mountain View will provide you with the best dental experience and service at the best price. So give us a call and make an appointment today!

Dentist

Ryan Bateman

Expertise: Dentistry, Cosmetic dentistry, Dental implant, Tooth whitening, Root canal