Cavity Treatment: What to Expect from the Tooth Filling Procedure

No one likes being told they need a dental filling. However, you should take the news positively because cavity treatment prevents seemingly minor issues from growing into larger problems. Rugby Dental Arts in Charlottesville, Virginia, treats cavities using composite fillings. These tooth-colored fillings are preferred because they can be color-matched with your natural teeth for undetectable results.

How composite fillings are placed

Placing tooth fillings is a routine procedure in our office, often completed in one appointment. Before your treatment, we’ll examine your oral health and overall health to ensure you are eligible for a filling. Before treatment, we’ll administer local anesthesia to alleviate any potential discomfort during the procedure. However, it’s worth noting that anesthesia isn’t necessary for superficial cavities.

Once you are comfortable, we’ll isolate the decayed tooth to avoid saliva contamination. Then, we’ll remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the void left using composite resin. Next, we will harden the bonding material using a special light for durable functionality. The final step is to reshape and resize your filling until your bite feels natural. 

After treatment, your mouth will feel numb for some hours. This feeling is expected as the local anesthesia wears off gradually. During this period, avoid eating or drinking. Otherwise, you risk burning or biting your soft tissues.

Taking care of your filling after treatment

Although composite fillings are durable, they can experience wear and staining if not properly maintained.

Observe the tips below to ensure your fillings last many years.

• Brush twice every day
• Floss at least once daily
• Don’t forget bi-annual dental appointments
• Wear a customized mouthguard if you brux your teeth
• Limit the intake of sugary and stain-causing foods (coffee, tea, and wine)

On average, composite fillings typically endure for five to seven years, with some lasting up to a decade. While these fillings are resilient, it’s essential to promptly notify your dentist if you observe any indications of wear and tear on your restorations. Fortunately, composites can be easily repaired or replaced, ensuring the ongoing protection of the underlying tooth.

Composite fillings near me

Now that you know what cavity treatment entails, you’ll be confident to treat tooth decay as soon as it appears. 

If you ever need to treat cavities in Charlottesville, VA, please contact Rugby Dental Arts at (434) 443-8034 to schedule an appointment.

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