How Do Dentists Fill Cavities?

When the average person thinks “dentist” they often think of cavities and drills. How a dentist goes about filling a cavity is more of a mystery to the average audience. Despite being a common procedure that most people experience, at least once, just how fillings are placed remains a mystery. In order to ease concerns and shed some light on this commonplace procedure, let’s take a look at the details involved when your dentist fills a cavity. Remember, dentistry can do amazing things to reconstruct your teeth, but the best defense against cavities is brushing and flossing daily.

What is a tooth filling?

A tooth filling is a structural and cosmetic repair to a damaged tooth. The most common cause of tooth fillings is cavities. Tooth decay is the most common dental problem that exists today. While brushing and flossing work to prevent tooth decay, even the most careful people often end up with a cavity in those hard to reach spots, at some point in their lifetime. When a tooth decays, the enamel wears down, causing pits to form in the tooth. Sometimes, these pits reach all the way to the center of the tooth, which results in a severe infection and even a root canal. The best way to stop this decay is by filling the tooth. Once the pit is cleaned, a filling is inserted into the hole, protecting the sensitive enamel.

What are fillings made of?

Like most people, you probably want to know what materials are used to fill your teeth. These materials vary. Fillings are made with a variety of substances, depending on the needs of the patient receiving it. If your tooth is in a highly visible location, you most likely want to opt for tooth-colored enamel, plastic, or resin. However, if the filling is in a less visible location, you can choose a cheaper material, opting to save money. Surprisingly, gold and silver amalgam fillings tend to be cheaper than tooth-colored fillings.

How long do fillings take?

When it comes to scheduling a dental visit, you need to know how long a procedure takes. Thankfully, fillings are very quick to place in most instances. While individual times vary, depending on the placement and severity of the cavity, most take about fifteen minutes to place. However, this does not include the time it takes for the anesthetic to kick in. Again, times vary person to person. Most people are comfortably numb and ready for the filling to be placed in five to ten minutes after receiving the anesthetic.

How long do fillings last?

Your smile is one of the most important features that people see. For this reason, you want to know that any work you have done on your teeth will last. While fillings are quick and affordable, they don’t last forever. Each combination has a different lifespan. In general, though, you can expect your filling to last about eight years. However, some materials can last over a decade. This is just an average, however. If you take care of your teeth and eat carefully with your fillings, they could last longer. On the other hand, careless treatment wears out a filling much sooner.

If left untreated, a cavity could ruin more than just a tooth. You want to correct any cavities as soon as possible. Your dentist can place a filling in the pit of a cavity to halt the decay and damage to your tooth. With proper care, you could be enjoying a strong filling more than ten years down the road. These benefits more than justify spending fifteen minutes getting the filling in the first place. If you think you might have a cavity, contact our office today and schedule an appointment.