Just about everyone will suffer from a cavity at some point or another, but that doesn’t make the matter any less pressing! Cavities occur when your enamel is worn down and harmful bacteria are able to eat through your tooth. When a cavity is allowed to fester, it can get into the pulp of your tooth and lead to pain or infection.
Hopefully, you will visit the dentist before this can happen to make the treatment as quick and easy as possible. Your dentist is likely going to suggest a simple dental filling to stop the cavity from growing and prevent a new one from forming in its place. Your dentist will begin by removing the decayed portion of your tooth. Once the decayed area has been removed and cleaned, your dentist will “fill” the area using a special material.
A filling may also be used if you have a cracked or broken tooth, or if your tooth has been worn down with grinding, nail-biting, or other improper usages.
When it comes to the actual procedure of filling a tooth, your dentist will always start by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area. They will then use an air abrasion instrument, a drill, or a laser to remove the decayed area of your tooth. The choice will depend on your dentist’s training, preference, and the location/severity of the decay. Once the decay has been removed, your dentist will put in the dental filling.
After some filing and shaping, your dental filling will be ready to be put to work just as you would use your own natural and healthy tooth.
To learn more about dental fillings in Luray, schedule an appointment with our dental team today.