The cavity filling process is one that many, many people have to go through. Cavities are extremely common, and most people will experience at least one throughout their lifetime. When you are aware of what to expect throughout the cavity filling process, you will be able to prepare yourself adequately for your visit. Here are some important things to keep in mind about the cavity filling process.
Numbing the Area
The first step of the cavity filling process is to numb the area. This often begins by rubbing a jelly-like substance across the tooth, gums, and surrounding area. Once this has begun to take effect, the dentist usually follows with an anesthetic injection to further numb the area. For many, this is the extent of the numbing that is required for a pain free process. Some individuals have severe dental-related anxiety that can make the cavity filling process incredibly frightening for them. Sometimes, the dentist will use nitrous oxide in order to aid these individuals, though it will largely depend on the situation and the dentist.
May Insert a Rubber Dam
After the area has been numbed, it is common for the dentist to use a rubber dam around the teeth. This aids in providing them with better access to the tooth and can also shield the surrounding area within the mouth. Another added benefit to this is that it can help to prevent particles that come from the decay removal process from falling into the mouth or down the back of the throat.
Remove Decay
Once everything has been prepped, the dentist will thoroughly remove all of the decayed material from the affected tooth. To do this, they will use either a laser, drill, or air abrasion instrument. Many people worry that this will be painful, but the anesthetic should render the process painless. Removing the decay is essential in preventing it from spreading to other areas of the tooth and surrounding mouth. After all of the decay has been removed, the dentist will spend a few moments thoroughly cleaning the area of all residual debris.
Filling the Cavity
Once all remnants of decay have been removed, a hole will be left behind. This hole will have to be filled in in order to protect the tooth. Without a filling, the hole will be vulnerable to bacteria that can cause additional decay to the tooth. There are many materials that can be used to fill the cavity, which will differ depending on the situation. Once the cavity has been filled, the dentist will shape and polish it to ensure that the appearance will match the surrounding teeth and that it won’t cause any problems with your bite. You can usually expect the entire process to take less than an hour, though it will depend on your specific situation.
Following the Filling
After the filling has been completed, there are some things that you will still need to expect. You may find that your mouth remains numb for several hours following, due to the anesthetic used during the process. It is also possible that the filled tooth may be sensitive to cold or heat following the cavity filling process, though this should subside over time.
Cavity Prevention
Cavity prevention tends to be the best approach to take when it comes to your oral health. By taking thorough care of your teeth, you can often limit oral health problems. Cavity prevention requires regularly caring for your teeth, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing once. You also need to visit your dentist twice annually. The foods that you eat can also have a large impact on the development of cavities. When you focus on reducing your sugar consumption, you can often keep your teeth in better condition.
Longevity
The filling of your cavity will generally last for many years, but it will need to be replaced eventually. The amount of time that the filling will last will depend on an array of factors, such as the material used for the filling and how much wear your teeth experience. You should also ensure that you visit your dentist regularly to ensure that you have them replaced as necessary.
When you understand the cavity filling process, you can often reduce a great deal of anxiety surrounding your upcoming dental visit. Our team at Bismarck Advanced Dental Implants is dedicated to providing you with the right services to keep your teeth in the best possible health. For more information about the cavity filling process and what to expect, contact our team today!