Categories: Restorative Dentistry

Need A Cavity Filled?

The end of the year is a great time for you to come in for your last checkup of the year and complete any necessary restorations. If you found out at your most recent cleaning and examination that you have a cavity, you may want to get it filled as soon as possible to get the most of your dental benefits. Your team at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, offers lifelike dental fillings that blend in with your pearly whites and protect your smile.

Signs That You Have A Cavity

Tooth decay affects patients of all ages, and it’s likely that you will have one at least once. Cavities happen when bacteria from the food and beverages we consume throughout the day stick to our teeth. If you brush and floss every day, this bacteria is removed and may not turn into plaque. If you miss a spot or have not brushed your teeth, the bacteria and saliva stick to your teeth and turn into plaque, which can begin to erode your enamel. You may be able to tell a cavity is developing if a tooth feels sensitive or has a change in texture. Your dentist can also see signs decay in the earliest stages during your cleaning and examination and may offer additional treatments to help prevent the decay from worsening.

What To Expect During A Dental Filling

If you have a cavity, your dentist will likely recommend that you come in as soon as possible for a dental filling. This is a minimally invasive restoration that involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and adding a stronger material to the space left behind. Fillings are a common procedure and can be completed in under an hour in most cases. The treatment is minimally invasive and should not cause you any discomfort, but sedation is available to make the treatment more comfortable for our patients. After your filling, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for about thirty minutes.

How We Care For More Serious Cavities

Dental fillings can be used to treat mild to moderate cavities, but in the case of more serious decay, you may need a root canal instead. A root canal treatment is used to remove decay from the pulp of your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay reaches this layer, it can cause discomfort and sensitivity. By removing the decayed pulp, your toothache can be relieved, and your tooth can avoid infections. Alternatively, the tooth may need to be extracted if a root canal fails.