The Process of Filling Cavities

What is a Cavity?

We’ve all been chastised by our parents at one point or another about eating so many sweets that we will give ourselves cavities. At a certain point, our parents were right. When we eat too many surgery or starchy foods without brushing or flossing our teeth, it can cause cavities to form in our teeth, which will eventually need to be treated by a dentist.

Cavities are infections in our teeth caused by a combination of carbohydrate-containing foods and bacteria that live in our mouths. When these foods and bacteria build up in our mouth, our teeth will develop holes in their enamel, and when these holes get large and deep enough, they will need to be attended to by a dentist. By ignoring these cavities, we open ourselves to having significant tooth issues at a later time, which can mean more extensive and expensive attention later.

Cavities are, usually, very easy to clean and rectify, which means that if you have a cavity, a simple trip to the dentist is all you should need to fix your tooth. When looking for a dentist who can fix your cavity, be sure to find one who can easily perform your cavity procedure and one that can take care of any concerns you may have about your procedure.

How is a Cavity Filled?

The procedure of filling a cavity is usually very simple and fairly quick, depending on how serious the cavity is. Usually, the steps to getting a cavity filled include:

Receiving a numbing agent: When a cavity is filled, a dentist will usually need to drill into the enamel of the tooth, which means that the nerve in your tooth can be irritated or exposed, which can end up being quite painful. To help with this issue, a dentist will either numb the area that will be worked on or will give you a gas that will help you not feel pain while they work.

Cleaning out the cavity: Your dentist, after you are numbed or have the anesthesia gas working, will then clean out the cavity using a variety of tools, including a drill and a pick. This process is usually quick, with most people saying that the worst part is hearing the drill.

Filling the cavity: Cavities that have been cleaned are then filled. Cavities can be filled with a variety of things, with most dentists now straying from silver fillings in favor of other materials. Your dentist will then polish and file the filling so that it feels natural and does not affect your bite.

A filling can take up to an hour to complete, depending on if your dentist wants to get X-rays or depending on how extensive the cavity is. As always, talk to your dentist if you have questions about your procedure so that you can go in feeling confident about your procedure.

Your Local Del Mar Dentist

When you need a cleaning, a whitening, or a filling performed, make sure you have a dentist who will give you the proper care and time you need. At the Del Mar, (San Diego) CA dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, DDS, you can feel confident that you will have a dentist who will know and care about you and will help you with all of your oral health needs. Call us to make a dental appointment at our office today at (858) 481-9090.