Dental Repair
Maintaining your oral hygiene is the key to healthy teeth and gums. Oral hygiene includes things like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and limiting consumption of sugary drinks. It should also include regular dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and repairs when something goes wrong.
One common dental issue many people go through, especially children, are cavities. Cavities occur when bacteria, often from food, eats away at a tooth and allows for decay to set in. Eventually, decay will lead to a hole in your tooth (cavity). As the cavity grows, the root of the tooth can be left exposed.
Cavities are painful and dangerous, not just for that single tooth but for the rest of your teeth, gums, and even your jaw bone. Should a cavity be left untreated, pain will increase until eventually you have no choice but to make an emergency dental appointment, or schedule a root canal.
Repairing any portion of a damaged tooth is important, especially if that tooth causes you discomfort. When a cavity causes pain, it is usually because it is already a decent size, and the risk of needing a root canal increases every day it goes untreated.
How Do We Repair Cavities?
Cavity repair is a frequently practiced procedure in the dental field. Cavities are repaired by removing the tooth decay and filling the opening with a durable material. The most common filling materials include the following:
- Gold Fillings
- Silver Fillings
- Composite Fillings
- Amalgam Fillings
Unlike silver and gold fillings, composite and amalgam fillings are made to closely match the color of your teeth. Depending on the severity of the cavity, as well as cost and placement, your dentist will determine which type of filling is best for your circumstances.
When a dentist prepares a tooth for a filling, they will administer local anesthetic before removing the decayed material. Then, they will insert a filling material into the opening, effectively closing the cavity. This is not an invasive procedure, and patients planning on getting a tooth filled should expect to be in and out of the dental office in one visit.
Dental Fillings in Chicago, IL
If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Chicagoland area, and you suspect you might have a cavity, contact Family Dental Care. We want to help you keep your teeth healthy so you can smile with ease and confidence. Contact us to make an appointment today.
