Fillings are a tried-and-true solution for treating cavities. They keep teeth healthy and stop decay in its tracks before it can lead to root canals. Known for his focus on friendliness and on educating patients at his Cincinnati dental practice, Dr. Robert Petrtyl is here to answer some common questions about fillings and the dental issues that make them necessary.

What Causes A Cavity?

Cavities occur when your tooth enamel is damaged from plaque buildup. Over time, tiny holes develop, making your teeth more sensitive or inducing pain. If your cavities are not treated by a dentist, serious damage from decay can occur.

How Do Fillings Work?

First, your dentist will determine the severity of the cavity. If the decay hasn’t reached the nerve, fillings are the best treatment option. If decay has penetrated the nerve, or the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to stop it from spreading. To prepare the tooth for a filling, your dentist will clean out the decayed area and fill the cavity with either the traditional silver amalgam filling or a composite white filling.

What Happens If The Tooth Is Left Untreated?

This is why regular teeth cleanings every six months are so important. Your dentist must carefully examine your teeth so cavities do not go unnoticed and therefore lead to the kind of serious damage that would require a root canal to fix. If the tooth decay spreads, the results can range from intense tooth pain to tooth extraction.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

As any dentist will tell you, a good oral hygiene routine is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and fillings in the first place. Do your part at home by brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and skip sugary drinks and sticky snacks.

Brush up on your dental health with a visit to Dr. Robert Petrtyl. From general dentistry for the whole family to cosmetic and restorative services, his friendly practice will keep you smiling. Visit their website for a full list of their services or call today to schedule a teeth cleaning.