Fillings: The Common Cavity Solution
Tooth decay can sneak up on you and be hard to spot on your own. That’s why it’s important to practice routine dental care that includes visits to the dentist. Dental professionals can detect early warning signs in time and address them as needed.
Cavities are the first sign of tooth decay and, thankfully, they can usually be fixed with dental fillings. Fillings can also be used for other purposes, from improving appearance to reshaping a tooth for a more aligned and harmonious smile.
Why You Would Need a Filling
A filling is most often needed when you have one or more types of cavities: coronal, located on the chewing surfaces or between teeth; root, the kind that appears when parts of the roots are exposed due to receding gums; or recurrent decay, located around previous fillings or crowns that have accumulated plaque build-up.
All cavities are caused by the acid formed by bacteria feeding on food debris on teeth. This acidic environment weakens the enamel and dentin of your teeth, leaving them unprotected against bacteria that will slowly deteriorate them. Fillings are used to patch up the decayed areas, reshape the tooth and restore its strength.
Fillings may also be required in other cases, such as a chipped or fractured tooth or to fill in gaps between teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Fillings
- Protection against further decay. Cavities cause little holes in the surface of the teeth where bacteria get stuck and dig into the roots, extending the damage. Fillings seal these areas and protect the dentin and nerves from being exposed.
- Repair and strengthen fractured teeth, restoring their shape and protecting the remaining parts from further damage.
- Improve the color of teeth and fill in gaps.
- Affordable for every budget and often covered by insurance.
- Applied with a quick procedure that can be completed in as little as one hour.
- Long-lasting. Fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 12 years.
Fillings are a practical solution to restore and save your teeth from fractures, chips, and cavities and prevent damage from spreading. For more information on fillings or other dental treatments, please call our Canandaigua office, and we will be happy to help.
