Cavity

Overview:

• Cavities are filled with tooth colored resin composites made up of a special plastic composite.

Typical Issues:

• Filling cavities stops tooth decay from spreading. Left unchecked, cavities can grow, causing pain and may eventually necessitate a root canal, crown, or tooth extraction.
• Without treatment, cavities can grow and may eventually require a root canal, crown, or tooth extraction. Filling cavities prevents these procedures and further damage to the tooth.

What to Expect:

• To tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
• The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth.
• The tooth surface is prepared to accept the filling by making the surface area rough.
• The composite resin is inserted in the cavity in small increments. A dental light is applied between applications to harden the resin.
• After the composite has been applies, the dentist shapes the material to give it a natural look.