CAVITY FILLINGS

Once a cavity is fully formed, you, unfortunately, can’t just brush or floss it away. Cavities cause irreversible holes and damage to your enamel that require fillings or root canals to repair. However, there is a silver lining! Early on in tooth decay’s life, the tooth only has what’s known as a pre-cavity affecting only the outermost enamel layer. If caught in time, a patient might be able to restore and remineralize the tooth with fluoride and diligent oral health care.

If you leave a cavity alone for too long, a number of problems can occur. The inner tooth may become infected, damaging the soft pulp and nerves of the tooth. If the infection spreads to the gums, it can create pus-filled abscesses or cause gum disease. At its worst, the tooth may become so corroded and brittle by decay that it may need extraction or fall out.

There are many physical signs that you may have a dental cavity. Your teeth can be discolored, either a shade off from the rest of your healthy teeth or a particularly dark area surrounded by healthy white. At its most severe, your tooth may have black spots and holes visible. If you notice you have any teeth with these symptoms, call our office for a diagnosis.

If you feel like you’re prone to cavities, there may be several factors at play. Your diet can play a large part, such as eating highly acidic or sweet foods, and if you love to snack, consistently eating throughout the day can build up plaque faster. You might also have a dry mouth as saliva is vital in breaking down plaque, bacteria, and acids that can cause tooth decay. Some people are also unlucky enough to be born more vulnerable to the bacteria and plaque that love to cause cavities.

Good dental hygiene doesn’t just involve healthy habits like brushing twice and flossing once a day. It also relies heavily on your lifestyle, such as what you eat and how often. Snackers tend to get cavities much faster, especially when they eat more sugary foods. You may also have lower saliva production, which makes it harder for your body to naturally fight off the plaque and bacteria that build up throughout the day.

Dental fillings’ costs depend on two main factors: the material used and the number of surfaces your dentist has to treat. A resin filling on a single surface is going to cost much less than a gold or porcelain filling across three surfaces. You’ll want to speak with our dentist to determine which option works both financially and aesthetically for you.