What Is A Cavity?
Damage to a tooth can occur when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that wear out your teeth. Over time, this can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. More severe decay can cause larger holes or even destruction of the whole tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. You can drastically minimize your risk of cavities by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily at least once.
- Eating a balanced diet by avoiding foods with high levels of fat and sugar.
- Visiting the dentist regularly for a checkup appointment.
However, sometimes even if you follow these steps cavities may form. This is why it is important to maintain your daily tooth brushing ritual, and visit your dentist twice a year.
How Do You Treat A Cavity?
Cavities can be treated using dental fillings. Dental fillings are made from different materials that are constantly evolving. There are two popular types of dental fillings:
- Amalgam fillings, or silver fillings, are made from different metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
- Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth. They can be used to fill holes in teeth, as well as to help repair chipped or broken teeth. Most dentists use composite restorations to treat the teeth closest to the front of the mouth, as they are more noticeable when patients smile.
Why Do People Prefer Tooth-Colored Fillings To Metal Fillings?
Several improvements have made composite fillings more popular than other alternatives.
- Composite fillings allow dentists to preserve more of the natural tooth structure. This happens because composite materials chemically bond to the surface of the tooth.
- The process takes a bit longer to complete than amalgam fillings but through composite fillings, you will enjoy a restoration that is aesthetically pleasing. Your smile is one of the first features others notice about you. When your smile is radiant, your natural confidence is further projected.
- Composite fillings blend in with your tooth so they can not be seen from afar or up close while providing extra stability.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Dental Filling?
Although dental fillings are usually used to treat cavities, they are also used to fix broken teeth or older, deteriorated fillings. If you have any of these conditions, you may be a good candidate for a tooth-colored filling. If you are looking for an experienced dental office, Fedorciw, Massoumi & Kolbig in Cromwell, CT are ready to help you with this procedure with the latest technology.
What Can I Expect From A Dental Filling Treatment?
During your visit, your mouth will be anesthetized with a local anesthetic near the site of the filling. Once the area is numb, the decayed portion of your teeth will be extracted to make space for the new tooth-colored filling. The composite filling material will be placed over the new hole and cured with a hand-held light for a couple of seconds. The new filling will then be shaped and polished to blend with your teeth.
You should be able to return to your daily routine and oral care as soon as you leave the dental office. It’s normal for treated teeth to experience some sensitivity to extreme temperatures but sensitivity that persists beyond a week should be reported to your dentist.
Cosmetic and corrective dental treatments are available with Fedorciw, Massoumi & Kolbig in Cromwell, CT. Together, their staff has over 30 years of experience delivering quality care to their patients. Call 860-635-4666 for an appointment or consultation today.