How a cavity is treated

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the area on the tooth where the decayed material once lived. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse or age.

Before you get started your dentist will go over your options of treatment. If a filling is needed you have options of what color filling you will receive. Silver is the color most used, but colored fillings are also available. Colored fillings (white) require several additional steps, because it is applied in layers and requires a special light to cure or harden the material. Colored fillings cost a bit more, but cannot be seen. Once you and your dentist have decided on a treatment plan your dentist will treat your cavity or repair your tooth.

First To treat a cavity or a repair, the dentist will numb the area around the problem tooth with a local anesthetic. Next a dental drill, air abrasion tool, or laser will be used to remove the decayed area. The instrument the dentist uses will depend on the location and extent of decay. Next your dentist will probe or test the area during the decay removal process to determine if all of the decay has been removed. Once all of the decay has been removed, your dentist will clean the cavity of debris and bacteria. If the cavity and decay are near the root your dentist will first put in a liner made of glass monomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Then your dentist will finish filling the cavity and polish the entire tooth. When the filling is complete your dentist will check your bite to make sure there are no problems with the new filling. Your dentist may ask that you not eat or drink for a few hours after treatment, to allow the filling to fully harden.

The entire process is typically painless, or with just minor discomfort. And in the end you will have a pain free tooth and mouth.

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