Have you ever had tooth pain or realized you had a cavity? Maybe you were slightly afraid of the process.
The reality is that having a cavity filled can be a quick and painless procedure.
It’s also important to take care of cavities and other tooth abnormalities as soon as they’re discovered. Leaving a cavity untreated means that there will be an open space for bacteria to cause further harm to your teeth and for decay to worsen, and the longer the decay is present, the more extensive the repair is likely to be.
In the long run, putting off proper dental care can mean that you’re risking far more damage to your teeth.
You might be more afraid of the process than you need to be, and that’s common if you don’t know what to expect. But by learning about the process you can prepare yourself for your visit and rest assured that it won’t be painful. In fact, any discomfort you’re having will end after you’ve received treatment.
A cavity, which can also be referred to as dental caries, is the most common reason that people need fillings. Cavities are a breakdown in the enamel of the tooth caused by decay and bacteria.
Some people’s teeth are naturally more susceptible to cavities than others. There’s no shame in having a cavity. It’s just a matter of treating the tooth in a timely manner to promote better overall oral health and to minimize damage.
Good oral hygiene can also play a role in cavity prevention. You’re much more likely to avoid cavities if you brush and floss every day. It’s also important to go to your dentist for regular exams and professional cleanings to remove tartar/calculus and to manage the decay that you can’t adequately treat at home.
Fillings are often used to treat the following issues:
If you’ve gone a long time between exams, you may actually be able to see or detect the cavity yourself, or you may experience discomfort with the tooth such as sensitivity or pain due to heat, cold, or sweet foods. Otherwise, during your regular exam, your dentist will assess your mouth and may inform you they’ve detect a cavity.
The process to treat a cavity or replace a filling is very simple:
It’s important to note that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Once the area is numb, you won’t be able to feel anything in your tooth.
If you are bothered by the sound or idea of the drill being used, we may recommend that you listen to headphones during the procedure to help minimize any anxiety from the sound. We also offer complimentary hand and foot massage service to help keep your mind off of the treatment.
Amalgam was once thought to be the best material for fillings. It lasted a long time and many patients were treated with amalgam fillings.
In recent years, it’s been found that amalgam is more likely to cause very tiny cracks in your teeth, since it doesn’t expand/contract with heat and cold like the surrounding tooth does. This can lead to new exposure to bacterial growth, which can lead to decay. Amalgam also contains lead, which is an unfavourable material to have in your mouth.
We do not use amalgam fillings and instead recommend having older amalgam fillings replaced with composite resin fillings. Composite fillings match your natural tooth colour, making the filling much less noticeable and giving the restored tooth a more appealing appearance.
Do you have older amalgam fillings that you’d like replaced? Or are you here because you’re having minor discomfort and you’re worried you may have a cavity?
Schedule your appointment with Alpha Care Dental today, and let us evaluate your oral health and help with any repairs or replacements you need.