If you've ever felt a sharp pain in your tooth, you may be experiencing decay. Each tooth is coated in a protective layer called enamel. Over time, decay-causing bacteria can wear it down and form a cavity. Your dentist will recommend a filling to resolve the issue. Here’s what you should know about the treatment.

Why Are Fillings Important?

Below your tooth’s enamel is a sensitive dentin layer. Decay-causing bacteria can result in infections in the pulp chambers, nerve, and tooth roots when a cavity expands or deepens.

The resulting infection weakens the tooth and will eventually kill it. A dentist will then have to perform root canal therapy and apply a crown to save it. In some cases, the only solution is to remove the tooth.

Tooth fillings quickly resolve cavities. A dentist will fill the cavity with a composite or other durable material that hardens and works with the surrounding enamel to continue protecting the tooth. A filling can last between 7 and 20 years, depending on your at-home care.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The dentist will first anesthetize the surrounding area before treating the tooth. Once it’s numb, they’ll smoothen and clean the cavity so that no decay-causing bacteria remain.

They’ll then carefully apply the liquid filling to seal the hole. The material then hardens, and you can go back to everyday activities.

There may be some numbness while the anesthesia wears off. Brush and floss the filling the same as you do your other teeth and avoid sticky foods that may pull it out. Prevent further cavities by eating a diet low in sugary and acidic foods that wear down enamel and brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

It’s important to see the dentist twice a year to prevent cavities. Residents of Anchorage, AK, turn to Kennedy Dental Group for all their oral health needs. Dentist Dr. Kerry Kennedy leads this practice and offers a variety of oral care solutions, dental implants, dentures, and fillings. Learn more about their services online, or call (907) 277-5684 to schedule a teeth cleaning.