How a General Dentist Fills Tooth Cavities

You should visit the general dentist often to maintain good oral health. Keeping regular appointments is critical. You should also seek your dentist’s help if you are experiencing a toothache or other concerning issues. The dentist will often fill cavities. This is an effective way to restore tooth health and relieve pain.

Causes of tooth pain

Toothaches are a frequent complaint that dental patients of all ages have. This often means that the person has a cavity or an abscessed tooth, there are other reasons for the pain. A general dentist may determine that poor oral health habits are causing the pain. People who do not brush or floss regularly may develop tooth decay. The loss of filling can also cause tooth pain, as can a tooth that was damaged from a chip or cracks. An injury to the mouth or jaw can also have this effect.

Diagnosing the cavity

The general dentist may spot a cavity during a routine examination at a wellness checkup. Or, the patient may complain of a toothache and schedule an appointment for the dentist to confirm this suspicion. Larger cavities may be visible to the naked eye. When cavities are smaller or deeper in the tooth, an X-ray may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Preparing for the filling

Ordinarily, the general dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic. This helps comfort the patient during the procedure. For more minor cavities, an anesthetic may not be required. The dentist will also prepare the tooth by keeping the area dry. The dentist does this by spraying air into the mouth and placing rubber dams around the tooth to keep saliva away.

Removing the decay

Once the patient is numb, the general dentist will drill into the tooth and remove any decay and bacteria. The general dentist may also place disinfectant medication into the tooth to kill any remnants of the decay to keep further bacteria from invading the tooth. The dentist may also place a liner in the tooth to protect the nerve if the cavity is close to it.

The general dentist fills the hole

Once the dentist has cleaned out all bacteria and debris, it is time to put in the filling. The filling protects the tooth from further damage and restores it. The general dentist does this with a variety of materials. Today, most dentists and patients prefer composite resin or porcelain. These colors match the teeth, making them practically invisible. Gold, silver or plastic is also available. Once the filling is in, the dentist will polish the tooth.

Providing the relief you need

Finding out you have a cavity is not welcome news. Still, your general dentist can solve this concern by removing the decay and filling the hole. If you have tooth pain, a cavity is a likely culprit. Find a dentist near you and schedule an appointment to take care of this issue. You will once again be able to chew without pain and enjoy good oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.

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