Do you have a cavity? You’re not alone. The majority of people will experience a cavity at least once throughout their lifetime. Some studies claim that as many as 90% of Americans will have a cavity. When you have your cavities filled, it can be beneficial to understand what you will experience throughout the process. Our team at Jenson Dental can help to ensure that you know what happens when you have cavities filled and are able to have the most positive experience possible. Here are a few things that you should know about what happens when you have cavities filled.
Numbing the Tooth
When you have cavities filled, the first step will be ensuring that the area is thoroughly numbed. This usually involves multiple steps. The first involves spreading a jelly-like substance over the affected area. After this, an anesthetic injection will usually be done in order to effectively numb the area. For individuals with extreme dental anxiety, it is possible that nitrous oxide will be used in order to allow relaxation.
May Place a Rubber Dam
A rubber dam may be placed in order to simplify the process. This will often provide your dentist with better access to your tooth, so that they can complete the cavity filling process more effectively. This rubber dam also helps to prevent particles from falling back into the throat and protecting the surrounding area of the mouth.
Removing Tooth Decay
The next step involves thoroughly removing all of the decayed material from the tooth. This will be done with a laser, air abrasion instrument, or drill. Most people who are anxious about this process are most stressed about the removal of tooth decay, but the anesthetic should render the process painless. Once all tooth decay has been removed, they will carefully clean the area to ensure that no debris is present.
Cavity Filling
After the decayed material has been removed, there will be a hole remaining. This hole needs to be filled in in order to protect the health of the teeth. There are several materials that may be used to accomplish this. Composite, metals, ceramic, amalgam, and glass ionomer are commonly used for cavity filling. Once you have a cavity filled, it will help to prevent harmful bacteria from entering into the area. This will provide additional protection against further decay that can lead to more significant problems with your oral health. The filling will be carefully shaped and polished in order to match the other teeth within the mouth.
How Long it All Takes
The complete cavity filling process usually takes less than an hour. Other factors may impact the length of the process, depending on the tools that are being used and the severity of the cavity. Sometimes a cavity can be filled in as little as 15 minutes. It is also important to remember that your mouth will likely be numb for several hours following the appointment, so it is important to take care about what you eat during this period.
Prevention of Cavities
Preventing cavities tends to be an incredibly important step to care for your teeth. When you ensure that you prevent cavities, you can help to keep your teeth healthy over time, without the need for filling the cavity in the first place. It is important to take effective care of your teeth by following a good oral hygiene routine. This means that you need to be brushing your teeth twice every day, as well as floss on a daily basis. Mouthwash can help you to strengthen your teeth, which can aid in the prevention of cavities. Regular dental visits are another important part of caring for your teeth, because they enable your dentist to detect cavities in the early stages, before they can progress to a substantial degree. It is also important to note your nutrition. Excessive sugar consumption can cause a significant amount of damage to your oral health.
Having cavities filled is extremely important in protecting the health of your teeth. When you allow cavities to progress, you may need more extreme measures to restore their health, such as root canals or even extractions. If you think that you may have a cavity, you will want to consult with our team at Jenson Dental to schedule an appointment.
