Getting a cavity filled can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many people. The thought of someone drilling into your tooth is understandably unnerving. However, there are ways to manage your nerves and make the process as smooth and painless as possible.
What causes cavities?
Cavities are holes that form in the enamel surface of teeth. They are caused by bacteria in your mouth that feast on sugars and starches left on your teeth after eating. These bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel over time. Here are some key facts about what leads to cavities:
| Cavity Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Food debris | Leftover food particles on teeth provide fuel for bacteria to multiply. |
| Sugary foods | Bacteria feed on sugar and release acid as a byproduct. |
| Dry mouth | Insufficient saliva flow allows cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. |
| Poor dental hygiene | Not brushing and flossing regularly enables plaque buildup. |
| Genetics | Some people are more prone to cavities due to tooth position, enamel defects, etc. |
As you can see, diet, oral hygiene habits, and genetic factors all contribute to cavity development. The good news is that many of these are within your control.
Why do cavities need to be treated?
It’s important not to ignore a cavity if you want to prevent further damage. Here’s what can happen if a cavity goes untreated:
| Consequence of Untreated Cavity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Bigger cavity | The decay spreads deeper into tooth layers. |
| Tooth infection | Bacteria enter the tooth pulp and cause infection. |
| Tooth loss | An infected tooth may need extraction if beyond repair. |
| Pain | As the cavity reaches the nerve, you may have tooth sensitivity or pain. |
| Additional cavities | More teeth are at risk for decay. |
Catching cavities early and getting them treated prevents extensive damage and more invasive treatments down the road.
What happens during a cavity filling?
The good news about getting a cavity filled is that it’s a quick, painless procedure. The basic steps are:
| Cavity Filling Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Numbing | The area is numbed with an injection of local anesthetic. |
| Decay removal | The decayed material is drilled out of the tooth. |
| Cleaning | The cavity is washed out and dried. |
| Filling placement | The filling material is placed and sculpted. |
| Polishing | Restored tooth is smoothed and polished. |
The anesthetic numbs the area so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. The most uncomfortable part is generally the initial numbing injection. The actual drilling sounds unpleasant, but you won’t feel anything.
Types of dental fillings
The most common materials used for fillings include:
| Filling Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Composite resin | – Match tooth color – Less tooth removal – Quick setting |
– Less durable – Higher cost |
| Amalgam | – Durable – Affordable |
– Silver color |
| Gold | – Very durable – Biocompatible |
– High cost |
| Ceramic | – Natural tooth color – Durable |
– Higher cost |
| Glass ionomer | – Releases fluoride | – Less durable |
Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of filling depending on the size and location of your cavity, cost factors, and aesthetic concerns.
What to expect after getting a cavity filled
You may experience some minor side effects following your cavity filling, including:
| Post-Filling Symptom | Duration |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity to hot/cold | A few days |
| Slight soreness | 1-2 days |
| numbness from anesthetic | A few hours |
These discomforts usually go away on their own within a couple days. Avoid chewing on the side of the filled tooth until the numbness has completely worn off to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Your dentist may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
Tips to prevent cavities from returning
To help avoid more cavities in the future after you’ve had one filled, be diligent about the following preventive habits:
| Preventive Oral Care | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Brush teeth | Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. |
| Floss | Floss once daily to remove debris between teeth. |
| Rinse | Swish daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. |
| Cleanings | Get professional cleanings every 6 months. |
| Diet | Limit sugary and starchy snacks and beverages. |
| Fluoride | Use fluoride rinses or gel to strengthen enamel. |
| Sealants | Sealants protect deep grooves from decay. |
Practicing diligent oral hygiene and limiting cavity culprits like sweets and starches can help keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.
When to see a dentist
Make sure to see your dentist promptly if you have any of the following signs of a cavity that needs treatment:
| Symptom | Potential Cause |
|---|---|
| Tooth pain | Inner layers of the tooth affected |
| Tooth sensitivity | Enamel eroded and dentin exposed |
| Visible hole | Full thickness enamel loss |
| Brown/white spots | Early stage enamel decay |
Catching cavities early makes treatment much quicker and simpler. Your dentist can check for early signs of decay even before you have any symptoms.
When to be concerned about a cavity or filling
Contact your dentist right away if you experience:
| Problem Sign | What It Could Indicate |
|---|---|
| Severe toothache | Pulpal infection or abscess |
| Swelling | Tooth or gum infection |
| Cracked filling | Need replacement filling |
| Loose crown | Damaged tooth or restoration |
| Persistent sensitivity | Need root canal therapy |
These types of problems won’t go away on their own and need dental attention to prevent matters from worsening.
What to expect when getting a cavity filled
Now that you know what’s involved and what to watch out for, you can feel prepared for your upcoming cavity filling procedure. Here’s a quick overview of how it will likely go:
– The dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth.
– Once numb, the decayed portion of your tooth will be removed with a drill and suction device.
– The clean cavity will be rinsed, dried, and filled with a filling material.
– Your dentist will shape the filling so it looks and feels natural.
– You’ll be given post-procedure instructions like avoiding chewing on that side for a couple hours until the anesthetic wears off.
– Within a few days, sensitivity and soreness should subside.
– Be diligent with oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly to prevent more cavities.
Conclusion
While getting a cavity filled isn’t fun, it’s a relatively quick and painless procedure when caught early. The anesthesia helps block any discomfort during the repair. Taking good care of your teeth and avoiding too many sweets can help reduce your risk of needing another filling. Don’t wait with a cavity—see your dentist right away if you notice any symptoms. With proper care, your filling can last for many years.