How a General Dentist Fixes Cavities
Many people avoid visits to the general dentist because they are afraid of what might be found on their teeth. Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and the dental professional will usually recommend getting dental fillings. In this article, you will learn what a cavity is and how the dentist fixes the issue. Hopefully, the information provided will help ease your mind about the process.
A dental cavity is a hole caused by the activities of bacteria on the tooth, which can also create an infection. Severe tooth cavities and infection can damage the tooth and result in tooth loss. Therefore, the dentist needs to remove the decay and restore the tooth as soon as possible.
The need for cavity treatment from a general dentist
As tooth decay progresses deep into the tooth, it usually causes tooth sensitivity. The cavity will reach down until it exposes the inner nerves and compromises the structural integrity of the teeth. Tooth infection and inflammation will occur eventually. Therefore, the dentist will need to remove decay to stop its progression, but the hole is still there to be filled.
Tooth fillings prevent bacteria and plaque from accumulating inside the cavity and causing further decay. It will also boost the strength of the tooth to prevent cracking and chipping. The dental professional will recommend fixing cavities once they are detected.
The dental filling procedure
During the dental filling procedure, the dentist will remove the decay in the tooth cavity with a drill. First, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the decayed tooth or teeth. This will make the process much more comfortable. After removing the decay, the dentist will clean and prepare the hole for a filling. The technique used for the filling procedure depends on the filling material, whether composite, glass ionomer or silver amalgam fillings. Tooth-colored composite fillings are more commonly used for filling cavities.
Composite fillings are customizable to match the color of the natural teeth to produce aesthetic-appealing results. They are durable and can survive up to 15 years of use with adequate hygiene and care. They are available in paste form, which is inserted into the cavity. The paste takes the shape of the cavity.
The dentist will shape the composite resin over the tooth, preventing a change in bite. The composite resin is hardened with bright ultraviolet light. Filling a decayed tooth is a straightforward process and usually completed in a single appointment.
Amalgam fillings are generally avoided because they are not as natural-looking as composite, although they are durable and easier to place than metal fillings. These fillings stand out on the teeth and are often noticeable if used for front teeth.
In conclusion
If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to contact the dental office immediately to set up an appointment with the general dentist. Patients are usually encouraged to visit the office every six months for routine dental checkup and cleaning. These appointments, coupled with regular oral hygiene, can help prevent cavities.
Request an appointment here: https://www.tucsonazdentistry.com or call Advanced Family Dentistry at (520) 353-3002 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Tucson, AZ.
Recent Posts
A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…
The general dentist often uses a dental filling as a restoration procedure for teeth damaged due to decay. Unless the tooth is severely damaged and needs a root canal and a crown, only the tooth filling will be enough. It is better to visit the dentist regularly for checkups, so decay not get too severe.The…
Learning how to prevent cavities from a general dentist is smart. General dentists understand everything there is to know about how to take care of your mouth and are a great source of dental information. Whether you think you already have a cavity or want to make a preventive appointment to avoid getting a cavity…
If you suspect you have cavities, you might be wondering how long you can wait before seeking cavity treatment. The simple answer is that the longer you delay restorative dental treatment for tooth decay, the more damage occurs to the teeth. When you notice the toothache or feel a hole in your tooth, you should…