Teeth Cavity filling

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding). First, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. Next, a drill, air abrasion instrument, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The choice of instrument depends on the individual dentist’s comfort level, training, and investment in the particular piece of equipment as well as location and extent of the decay.

Fillings That Look Like Your Teeth

Composite fillings are the most widely used dental filling material. They’re made of glass or quartz in resin. Your dentist may choose a composite filling if the size of your cavity is small to medium, or if your tooth gets a lot of chewing action. These may also be a good choice for people who are afraid of dental work, since a composite can be bonded in place, which means less drilling.

Advantages: 

Your dentist can closely match the color of a composite filling to the color of your teeth

Fillings That Release Fluoride

The newer options for dental fillings include glass ionomers, made of acrylic acids and fine-glass powders.

Pros: They can be colored to blend in with your nearby teeth. They also can be designed to release small amounts of fluoride, which helps prevent decay.

Cons: These fillings can break, so they’re not a good choice for surfaces that do a lot of chewing. Your dentist may instead suggest that you use it for a cavity near your gum line or to fill between teeth.

Facts About Dental Fillings and Cavities

1.Sugary foods primarily cause cavities

Cavities ultimately develop into holes in the teeth. The culprit is sugary food and drinks. The bacteria found in plaque turns carbohydrates into acid, which will subsequently break down the tooth surface. Once cavities develop, they cannot be reversed naturally, although several steps can slow the process. However, fillings are the best solution.

2.There are several signs that could mean you have cavities

Many people know that a toothache can be a sign of dental cavities. However, there is a long list of additional symptoms to consider. The list includes, but not limited to, sensitivity, pain when biting down, discolored spots on the tooth surface, visible holes, sharp pains when eating or drinking hot and cold foods. A dentist should check all of those symptoms.

3.Cavities can form even in infancy

Many people wonder at what age cavities can start to form. It has been shown that babies can start to show signs of infection from bacteria causing plaque towards the end of their first year. If left untreated, those issues will develop into cavities that can subsequently cause pain, discomfort, and issues for the child’s oral development.

Cavities and Fillings: What’s Normal?

When cavities develop, fillings repair the hole to prevent further decay and restore the tooth to its original shape. Filling materials include gold, silver, porcelain, and composite resin. In recent years, composite resin has gained popularity because it’s indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth. In this post, we answer common questions about cavities and fillings and help you understand what is normal.

How Do You Prevent Cavities?
When you take care of your teeth, you won’t need fillings because your teeth won’t decay. Here’s how to prevent cavities:
Brush your teeth twice a day (morning and evening) for two minutes, especially if you eat sugary or sticky foods. When sugar sticks to your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid that wears away the enamel. This leads to cavities, increased sensitivity, and tooth decay.
Floss your teeth once a day to eliminate particles that get trapped between your teeth, causing decay and infections.
Brush and floss your back teeth even if they’re hard to reach. Cavities often develop in back teeth because patients don’t scrub off the sugar and food particles well enough.
Use toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). This toothpaste contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect your teeth from tooth decay.