Residual food particles and sugar in the mouth encourages the bacteria that form plaque and tartar. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as your annual dental checkups, can go a long way towards removing plaque and tartar before it has a change to damage tooth enamel.
Unfortunately there are times when even the best oral hygiene practices simply can’t hold tooth decay at bay. If they are caught early the cavities from minor tooth decay can often be repaired with a simple filling. Left unresolved tooth decay will continue to spread and may require a crown or even a root canal.
Before filling the cavity your dentist might want take a few x-rays. This will help them to get a better idea of the strength of your enamel and how deep the decay truly goes. Many people choose to have novocaine injected into the local gum tissue to help numb the area. This numbing effect is designed to last long enough for the dentist to complete the procedure.
Once the area is sufficiently numb the dentist will remove all of the tooth decay, leaving only healthy enamel to anchor your filling.
The material your filling is made of will vary based on where that tooth is in your smile and its basic function in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend the best material for your situation.
It’s important to have a cavity filled before it can progress into something more serious. If you have a cavity in one of your teeth please call us at 203.775.6167 to schedule an appointment.