Cavities are holes in teeth that form due to tooth decay—a process that occurs when oral bacteria and acids wear away at enamel. While routine brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can help lower the risk of decay, nearly 92% of American adults have experienced cavities at some point in their lifetimes, according to the National Institutes of Health®. Fortunately, if the damage is caught early enough, dentists can prevent further decay by filling the cavity. To help you understand how this beneficial treatment works, here are the five simple steps dentists take to fill cavities.  

5 Steps to Filling a Tooth

1. Numb the Treatment Area

To prevent you from feeling pain or sensitivity during treatment, your provider will have to numb the area around the tooth. This is generally done by injecting a local anesthetic into the gum tissue. After a few minutes, you shouldn’t be able to feel any pain in the area.

2. Prepare the Tooth

Once the tooth has been numbed, the dentist will start preparing the tooth for the filling. First, your specialist will remove all decayed portions of the tooth to prevent further infection from occurring. Next, the dentist will drill and clean the cavity to create a sterile space for the filling.

3. Fill the Cavity

Depending on your treatment needs, your dentist will use amalgam or composite resin to fill the cavity. Amalgam is a metal substance made primarily of silver, while composite resin is a white material that can provide a more natural tooth color. Whatever material is right for you, it will be applied in a pliable state so that it can adhere to all areas of the cavity.  

4. Bond the Filling

Once the filling material is in place, the dentist will wait for it to harden. In many cases, a curing light will be used to ensure that material is completely dried in place.

5. Shape the Tooth

After the filling is bonded, your dentist will reshape the material to restore the tooth’s natural shape. Your bite will be tested to ensure that the filling will not interfere with your chewing or speaking abilities.  

When a toothache has taken the smile off your face, turn to the trusted team at Laguna Bond Dental. Serving the Elk Grove, CA, community, this family dentistry provider offers a wide range of services to protect and restore teeth—including composite fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions. Whatever treatment is best for you, you can rest assured that this dentist will take a gentle approach to minimize pain and maximize comfort. Visit this practice online to learn more about their comprehensive dental care services. To schedule a dental exam, call a friendly staff member at (916) 686-8989.