A lot of people don’t visit a dentist because they do not want to know what’s happening inside their mouth. Cavities are common dental problems and a dental practice in Maryville, TN, will often recommend getting a dental filling. A dental cavity is created by bacterial activities on the tooth that may also lead to an infection. Serious tooth cavities and dental infections can damage your tooth and lead to tooth loss. Thus, you must see a dentist who will remove the decay and restore your tooth.
Getting Cavity Treatment
When tooth decay progresses deeper into your tooth, it can cause tooth sensitivity. A serious dental cavity will expose your teeth’s inner nerves and compromise their structural integrity. Tooth inflammation and infection will happen over time. Thus, your dentist must get rid of the decay to stop the progression and fill the hole.
Tooth fillings prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria inside the cavity that may cause further decay. Also, they strengthen your teeth to prevent them from chipping and cracking. Once your dentist detects cavities, they will fix them right away.
What to Expect from the Dental Filling Procedure
During your dental filling procedure, your dentist will get rid of the tooth cavity decay using a drill. First, they will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area, making the process comfortable. After the decay is removed, the hole will be cleaned and prepared for a filling. How your dentist will approach the filling procedure depends on the type of filling materials to use, whether silver amalgam, glass ionomer, or composite fillings. A lot of patients prefer tooth-colored composite fillings to fill their cavities.
A composite filling is customized to match the natural teeth’s color to produce an attractive result. It is durable and can last up to fifteen years of use when properly taken care of. It comes in paste form and is inserted into the cavity.
The composite resin is shaped over your tooth to prevent a bite change. Bright ultraviolet light hardens the composite resin. The process of filling a tooth decay is straightforward and can be completed in one appointment.
In general, amalgam fillings are avoided as they do not look like natural teeth. But they are easier to place and durable.
If you believe you have a dental cavity, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. Often, it is best to visit your dentist twice every year to keep your teeth and gums healthy.