Cavities- also known as caries- are one of the most common dental problems that Americans face. These can form over time due to bacteria in your mouth breaking down the enamel of your tooth. This is a very common dental problem that can be fixed through a routine procedure. At Potach & Mitchell Dental Clinic in Austin, MN we understand that even with a regular oral hygiene routine, cavities can still happen and we’re here to help. Today we’ll explain what a dental filling is, why we do this, and what happens if you don’t get this taken care of.
What is a dental filling?
Going to the dentist regularly helps detect potential cavities forming in your mouth. If we find a cavity forming, we’ll inform you and tell you how to prevent it from growing further. Cavities that are found early on can be reversed with consistent oral hygiene and the use of fluoride. However, if it is not detected early enough, we may need to remove the damaged part of the tooth and use a material to repair it.
Cavities can create a hole in your tooth which can eventually hurt the enamel of your tooth and cause pain in your mouth. To stop the hole from becoming larger, we use a synthetic material that acts as enamel and add it where the dental caries are forming. By doing this, any further damage can be prevented. Fillings prevent any potential pain and infection that a cavity can cause in your mouth.
During the appointment, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area that will be worked on. The filling should not cause pain, but it may be uncomfortable. Your dentist will then remove the damaged part of the tooth and fill in the hole with a synthetic material. Usually, the filling can be closely matched to the color of your tooth. The appointment time will vary but usually takes about 30 minutes. The filling itself will last a couple of years.
What if I don’t get a cavity filled?
We recommend getting this taken care of to prevent more painful problems in the future. Short term, cavities can lead to pain sensitivities to certain foods, bad breath, and toothaches. Ignoring this can lead to the hole becoming worse and your tooth can begin to decay. If you allow a cavity to continue forming, there is potential for an abscess to form in your mouth. This will end up needing to be saved with a root canal. This is a more invasive procedure which can be time-consuming and expensive. It’s best to get it tended to as soon as possible to save stress in the future.
Have a cavity? Call Today to Schedule an Appointment
We want you to have the healthiest smile you can. Don’t put off getting your cavity filled and come see us at Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic today. Call 507-437-6312 today to schedule an appointment.
