What it is
Tooth decay, or dental caries, begins when the bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches and produce acid. These byproducts attack the enamel, the hard outer shell of the tooth, and the process then progresses into the dentin, the softer core beneath it. At that point it is irreversible, and the cavity does not heal on its own.
A filling replaces the portion of the tooth lost to decay or damage. The dentist removes the decayed tissue, rebuilds the shape of the tooth with a material that hardens, and seals the space so that bacteria cannot re-enter. The restored tooth can again be used for chewing.
When you might need it
Early decay often causes no symptoms and is usually found during an examination and X-rays, before you feel anything. As a cavity advances, the signs include sensitivity to sweets, heat, or cold, a pit or dark area on the tooth, pain on biting, and food that repeatedly catches in one place.
A filling also repairs a chipped or worn tooth and replaces an older filling that has cracked or begun to leak at its edges. When the decay is extensive or has reached the pulp, the nerve tissue inside the tooth, a filling is no longer sufficient. The tooth may then need a crown or root canal therapy, and the dentist will advise which one fits.
A small cavity generally requires a small filling, which leaves more of the natural tooth in place.
What happens at each visit
A filling is usually completed in a single visit. The dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray to determine how deep the decay extends, and the area is then numbed with a local anesthetic.
Once the tooth is numb, the dentist removes the decay mechanically with a dental handpiece and bur and continues until all of the contaminated tooth structure is cleared. The tooth is then restored with a tooth-colored filling material, which is placed in thin layers and shaped to match the tooth. A special light hardens each layer. The dentist checks the bite, trims the filling where needed, and polishes it. You may feel pressure or vibration during the visit, and you should tell the dentist at once if anything feels sharp.
Materials and what to expect afterward
Tooth-colored fillings are usually made of composite resin, a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. The shade is selected to blend with the surrounding tooth, and the composite bonds to the tooth structure, which helps hold it in place.
The lip, cheek, and tongue may remain numb for a time after the visit, so wait until the numbness fades before you eat, to avoid biting the cheek or tongue. Composite is hardened by the light during the visit, and the tooth can be used for chewing normally once sensation returns. The tooth may be sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure at first, and this usually settles. Call the office if your bite feels uneven, if the filling feels high or sharp, or if the sensitivity worsens instead of improving. A small adjustment often resolves it.
Fillings do not last forever. They can wear, chip, or leak around the edges, so the dentist checks them at regular examinations. The prevention of further decay consists of good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings.
Why Dutch Creek Dental
Dr. Mike Itoafa has owned Dutch Creek Dental since 2018, and the practice has been on West Coal Mine Avenue for more than 30 years. Fillings are done in this office. When a case calls for a specialist, Dr. Itoafa refers you to one he trusts.
Common questions
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Often you cannot tell, because early cavities may not hurt. Sensitivity to sweets, heat, or cold, a dark spot or pit on the tooth, or food that repeatedly catches in one place can be signs. An examination and X-rays are the reliable way to find one.
Will I feel the filling being placed?
The area is numbed first, so you may feel pressure or vibration but should not feel sharp pain. If you do, tell the dentist, and more anesthetic can be given.
When can I eat after a filling?
Wait until the numbness is gone, so that you do not bite your cheek or tongue. After that, you can chew normally. If the tooth feels tender, go easy on very hard or sticky foods on that side.
How long will my filling last?
There is no set interval. It depends on the size of the filling, the tooth it is in, how you bite, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you clean around it. Regular examinations allow the dentist to catch wear early.
Can I wait on a small cavity?
You can, but cavities do not heal and they tend to grow. A small cavity usually needs a small filling, while a large one can require a crown or root canal therapy. Treating it early preserves more of the natural tooth.