It can be easy to take for granted just how important our teeth are. Most of the time, we don’t really think about them throughout the day until it’s time to brush or floss. But when you start to experience pain when biting down or chewing, it’s typically the ONLY thing you think about.

From time to time, cavities can form in one or multiple teeth that will need to be cared for. While most people have these soft spots when putting pressure on them, others may not even feel them developing at all and only discover them when getting teeth cleaning or an X-ray.

Still, they’re important to deal with to stop them from getting worse and causing increased pain over time. But don’t worry – dealing with cavities isn’t as scary as you might think.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small area of tooth decay on the hard surfaces of your teeth that eventually causes small holes, known as “cavities,” to develop.[1]

If left untreated, over time, these holes will become larger and could go deeper into the various layers of your teeth. This can increase the likelihood of developing an abscess at the root of the tooth, infecting the tissue and gums around it and potentially becoming a dental emergency.

How are Cavities Caused?

Cavities are primarily caused by a build-up of bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Because of the acidic nature of this bacteria, eventually, it will eat away at the enamel that strengthens the tooth and creates a weak spot where a cavity can develop.

The bacteria that naturally live in our mouths need a regular food source. This can be from food particles left over after a meal and a build-up of plaque and tartar on our teeth. Sugar is also a primary food source of bacteria, which is why you hear dentists saying to try to avoid having too many sugary drinks or candy.

Some of the other culprits for developing more cavities are:

• Forgetting to brush or floss regularly
• Fluoride deficiency
• Dry mouth
• Receding gumlines
• Regular consumption of drinks with high sugar content

When Should You Suspect You Might Need a Cavity Fill Procedure?

Although not all cavities may present symptoms when they first develop, there are some signs you can look for that can mean it’s time to consider cavity fillings. Some of the reasons you might suspect you have a cavity include:

• Tooth Sensitivity – When brushing your teeth or even when talking, you might begin to notice general sensitivity in certain teeth, which could be early signs of a cavity developing.
• Pain When Chewing – Putting pressure on your teeth, especially when chewing certain foods, will typically reveal the presence of a cavity. This added pressure will aggravate nerve endings in your teeth if exposed and can cause discomfort when they come into contact with other teeth or food.
• Pain When Drinking Hot and Cold Beverages – The nerve endings underneath the hard surfaces of our teeth are quite sensitive. When the enamel in your teeth begins to decay, it exposes these nerve endings to temperature variances in the liquid we drink. Hot or cold beverages can quickly trigger increased tooth sensitivity when a cavity is present.
• Physical Signs of Damage or Decay – While not all cavities are visible when looking at your teeth, physical signs of tooth damage or decay can and often do mean that a cavity has formed.
• Excessive Bad Breath – We all have bad breath from time to time. However, excessive bad breath could be a sign of increased bacteria build-up and is another sign that you may need a dental hygiene checkup to look for potential cavities.

How Does a Dental Filling Procedure Work?

Depending on the extent of a cavity, the procedure for filling it may vary. However, the process is typically as follows:

1. Examination and Local Anesthesia

A dentist will take the time to do a full examination of your teeth and gums. In the case that a cavity has formed, the dentist will then prepare the area for dental fillings and repair the necessary teeth. To do this, they will apply a local anesthetic to the affected area to numb the root of the tooth and surrounding gums to alleviate any pain or discomfort when receiving your dental fillings.

2. Decay Removal

Before a cavity can be filled, any tooth decay needs to first be removed so it can’t spread any further after the dental fillings are placed. This is typically done with a scraping tool or a high-speed dental drill. This process not only helps to get rid of any additional tooth decay but it also helps create an optimal shape in the tooth for the cavity filling to adhere to.

3. Applying Dental Filling

A dental filling procedure uses a mixture of filling material, typically made of amalgam or composite fillings, that apply in liquid form and then harden when bonded with the tooth. Depending on the type of filling chosen, dentists will gently apply various layers of the filling material to make sure there are no gaps and provide a strong connection.

4. Bite Alignment Adjustments

After the dental filling procedure is completed, your dentist will likely need to make a couple of adjustments to make sure you have an even bite. In some cases, your bite may feel off at first. This is common and simply means that some of the cavity filling material will need to be removed. Your dentist will then do a couple of short rounds of find adjustments using scraping tools or a drill until your bite feels natural after the tooth fillings.

5. Polishing

To keep a natural look after a dental filling procedure, your dentist will likely polish your new tooth fillings as well as the surrounding teeth.

Types of Dental Fillings

Amalgam fillings can be made up of different components depending on the application and the types of teeth they are being applied to. Below are some of the common cavity filling types:[2]

• Cast Gold Fillings – While being a more expensive choice than other amalgam filling types, cast gold doesn’t corrode or break down after regular use. These cavity fillings will often last 20 years or longer before needing to be repaired or replaced.
• Silver Amalgam Fillings – Silver amalgam fillings are the most cost-effective cavity filling types that can last for 15 years or more. However, one of the primary setbacks with using silver cavity fillings is that they have been known to expand or contract when exposed to major temperature variances.
• Composite Fillings – Many modern amalgam fillings use composite materials to help create a better look and feel, just like natural teeth. While not as strong as metal, composite fillings can be more easily formed in teeth and can still create a strong bond with teeth to close off a cavity.
• Ceramic Fillings – Ceramic fillings offer a balance between gold and composite fillings. They are molded in the same way as metal dental fillings but more closely match the natural look of your teeth. Similar to silver cavity fillings, ceramics will last around 15 years before they need to be repaired or replaced.

How Long Will a Cavity Filling Take to Complete?

The length of time it takes for cavity fillings will depend on the location of the tooth and the extent of any decay that has been discovered. Typically, most standard amalgam fillings will only take around 20 minutes to complete, while preparation before and after that may add some time to the process. Most visits to the dentist for amalgam fillings won’t be more than an hour in total length.

In the event that multiple cavities are discovered, your dentist may recommend multiple visits to have them cared for to help reduce the likelihood of too much swelling in the gums or jawline, to help spread out the costs of fillings, and to avoid needing to apply too much local anesthesia.

Let Kunik Create The Smile You’ve Always Wanted

Your oral health impacts your health overall. If you want to turn your smile around and correct alignment issues, contact Kunik today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cavity fillings