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Cavity Filling

Have you been told you have cavities? Or are you experiencing signs of possible tooth decay? In either case, prompt treatment helps prevent it from getting worse. Untreated cavities can result in advanced decay — and possible tooth loss!

We offer cavity filling in Bradenton, FL, to restore teeth and reduce the risk of infections. These quick treatments help you keep your natural teeth, lowering the need for extraction.

What Are Cavities?

The simple way to explain it is that they’re holes in your teeth. Cavities are a sign of tooth decay that can develop on the surfaces of your teeth. As decay gets worse, it can reach the interior parts of your tooth and cause infections.

What Causes Cavities?

Anyone can get them, though certain factors can increase this, such as:

Eating a lot of starchy or sugary foods
Drinking sugary beverages
Family history of cavities and decay
Dry mouth from medication or medical conditions
Receding gums from gum disease

Why do you get them? You have both good and bad bacteria in your mouth. The harmful types are drawn to starch or sugar on your teeth, feeding on them and turning them into acids. A combination of these acids and saliva causes sticky plaque to form and cover tooth surfaces.

Brushing your teeth helps reduce and eliminate plaque. But if you don’t do this regularly, this coating can cause holes to form — cavities that result in greater decay without treatment.

What Are Signs You Might Have a Cavity?

It’s not always obvious that you have this dental issue. Our dentist checks for visible signs, like discoloration or pits in tooth surfaces, during checkups.

You may also have other symptoms of cavities, such as:

Swelling in your face
Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
Bad breath
Pain in the affected tooth
Gum disease signs, like bleeding gums

Why Are Fillings Used for Cavities?

This type of tooth damage doesn’t go away on its own. Leaving it untreated just causes decay to become more advanced, weakening your tooth and making it more likely to have infections. Fillings address decay and protect your teeth from sustaining even more damage.

What Types of Fillings Are There?

You might have one or more of these already, with cavities being so common. But depending on your age, these might be silver amalgam fillings. That material isn’t used much anymore as it contains a high amount of mercury. We offer more advanced (and safer) types of filling materials these days, like the following.

Composite Resin

This material’s a great option if you don’t want other people to see that you have fillings. Composite resin is tooth-colored, allowing it to look like a natural part of your tooth. Note that this type can take longer to get and isn’t as durable as other materials.

Gold

This type may be ideal if you have smaller cavities. Gold offers a biocompatible material that’s safe for your body. It’s also incredibly durable — lasting for decades in many cases! Gold fillings do show, making them a better choice for back teeth.

Porcelain

This is another type that’s subtle in appearance, matching your natural tooth. Porcelain fillings are also biocompatible and stain-resistant. Though they’re not as long-lasting as gold, they’re less likely to crack overall.

What Benefits Do Fillings Offer?

This treatment approach helps your teeth in a lot of ways, including:

Reduces risk of additional damage and decay
Lowers the need for tooth removal
Strengthens your teeth
Restores chewing ability

When You Might Need a Filling

Our dentist may recommend this treatment if we notice any signs of cavities or evidence of tooth decay during your exams. We can help you choose the right filling type for your mouth and budget.

What to Expect When You Get a Cavity Filling

It’s typically a fast and painless process. We numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Once that kicks in, we remove the decayed part of your tooth and clean the remaining tooth, eliminating plaque and bacteria.

When your tooth’s all set, we place the filling in it and shape it to maintain a natural appearance. It’s a quick in-office procedure that doesn’t usually require downtime.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

That’s going to depend on filling material. Gold tends to last the longest, while composite resin has the shortest lifespan. Porcelain falls somewhere in the middle.

How to Take Care of Fillings

You can help them last longer with good care, such as:

Brushing and flossing each day
Avoiding sticky or hard foods that can cause damage
Getting regular dental exams

FAQs about Cavity Fillings

Do all cavities need fillings?

This is the tried-and-true way to treat these signs of decay. In more advanced cases, we may need to explore other options, like root canals or even extraction.

Does it hurt to get a filling?

No, we numb your tooth to stop you from feeling any pain. But you may be sore when it wears off.

Do you need a crown after getting a filling?

We may recommend this, especially for larger cavities. Crowns help restore your tooth, while also keeping it safe from bacteria.

What should you do if you lose a filling or it breaks?

Try to hold on to it if it falls out so you can bring it to our office. If it’s loose or damaged, schedule an appointment right away for care.

Are cavity fillings permanent?

No, they don’t last a lifetime. But certain materials do have a longer lifespan than others, lasting for decades instead of a few years.

Should I get my silver amalgam fillings replaced?

We may recommend this if they’re showing signs of damage or wear and tear. Our team can replace them with newer, safer materials.

Schedule an Appointment Today for Cavity Fillings!

Do you have signs of tooth decay? Then it’s time to get help! Our dentist offers cavity filling in Bradenton, FL, to treat this common dental problem, stopping it from getting worse and saving your natural teeth.