Dental Fillings Specialist

What are dental fillings?

When you have a cavity, it destroys your enamel and often affects the deeper parts of your tooth as well. After your dentist removes the infected tooth material, your tooth has a clean hole inside. A dental filling closes this hole, preventing further decay and preserving the structural integrity of your tooth.

What causes cavities?

Cavities occur when plaque forms on your teeth. This sticky film contains bacteria from the foods you eat. The highly acidic bacteria in plaque cause your tooth enamel to decay. Once decay progresses through the enamel into the soft inner parts of your tooth, it’s known as a cavity. 

Your overall health, genetics, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits affect your risk of developing a cavity. Regular brushing, flossing, and preventive dental visits can help to prevent cavities. 

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

In the early stages, a cavity might not cause any symptoms. As the decay starts to reach your tooth pulp, you might notice these signs and symptoms:

• Sensitivity to cold or hot food or drink
• Sensitivity to sweet foods
• Aching pain in your tooth or jaw
• Throbbing pain
• Dark spots 
• Pain when biting or chewing

Left untreated, a cavity can cause intense pain and might lead to more serious dental conditions. If you think you have a cavity, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a trusted member of the team at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates. Your compassionate dentist can provide fast pain relief in addition to high-quality dental fillings for cavities.

What happens during a dental filling procedure?

The skilled dentists at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates use anesthesia to ensure that you feel comfortable throughout your filling procedure. Once your tooth and gums feel numb, your dentist uses a dental drill to remove the infection and decayed tooth material. 

Next, your dentist rinses the hole in your tooth, then fills it with a durable material, such as composite resin that is tooth-colored or metal. Your dentist may also apply a tooth-colored porcelain onlay over the surface of your tooth. Once the filling hardens, you can bite and chew normally. 

Most fillings need only one appointment, but some cases require a multi-step process that could take two or more appointments to complete.

If you have tooth pain or suspect you have a cavity, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates for a dental filling. Call the office today, or book an appointment online.