Tooth decay, or dental caries, is a disease that starts just below the surface of the tooth. If left untreated, it can damage the structure of the tooth and eventually lead to a cavity (a hole) in the tooth. A common treatment for a cavity is a dental filling.
Taking Care of Cavities
The most common treatment for a cavity is a dental filling. This treatment involves your dentist removing tooth decay from your tooth and filling the hole with dental material used to fill cavities.
Depending on the kind of filling you have chosen, there are two main ways to fill a cavity:
Direct Filling
These fillings are placed directly into your tooth after your dentist has cleaned out the decay. First, your dentist may give you a local anesthetic (or freezing) so you do not feel any discomfort. The decay will then be removed from the tooth using a compressed air device. The hole is then shaped and filled with direct materials. Direct materials like composite resin harden quickly, so the fillings can be done in one appointment in most cases.
For composite fillings, your dentist puts a bonding material (or glue) inside the cavity. Composite resin is applied in thin layers. Each layer gets hard with the help of a special light that your dentist holds over the tooth. When the last layer of the filling is hard, your dentist shapes the filling so that it looks and feels natural.
Indirect filling
Indirect fillings are custom-made to fit your teeth. You will need at least two visits to the dentist for an indirect filling. During the first visit, your dentist may first give you a local anesthetic (freezing) so you are comfortable. The decay from the tooth will then be removed using a compressed air device.
Upon the decay being removed, a mold of your tooth is made and the hole is filled with a temporary filling. The mold of your tooth is then used to make a model. A gold or porcelain filling is made to fit your tooth using the model. At your next appointment, your dentist removes the temporary filling and cements the new permanent filing in place.
To help prevent cavities, regular dental cleanings and checkups are necessary, along with proper at-home care. Call our dental office @ (905) 842-5500 today to book an appointment so we can help you maintain your teeth.
