Fillings

What are cavities?

What causes cavities?

Tooth decay is a very common disorder. It most often occurs in children and young adults, but it can affect anyone. Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Bacteria are normally found in your mouth. These bacteria change foods, especially sugar and starch, into acids. Bacteria, acid, food pieces, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to the teeth. It is most common on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings.

Plaque that is not removed from the teeth turns into a substance called tartar, or calculus. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and periodontitis.

Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If it is not removed, it will harden and turn into tartar (calculus).

The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth. It also creates holes in the tooth called cavities. Cavities usually do not hurt, unless they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. An untreated cavity can lead to an infection in the tooth called a tooth abscess. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the inside of the tooth (pulp). This requires more extensive treatment, a root canal or possibly removal of the tooth.

Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

How are cavities diagnosed?

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine dental checkups.

A dental exam may show that the surface of the tooth is soft.

Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they can be seen just by just looking at the teeth.

How are cavities treated?

Treatment can help prevent tooth damage or tooth loss.

Treatment may involve:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Root Canals

Dentists fill teeth by removing the decayed tooth material with a drill and replacing it with a material such as composite resin, glass ionomer, or amalgam. Composite resins more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and is preferred for front teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.

Crowns or “caps” are used if tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure, which may cause weakened teeth. Large fillings and weak teeth increase the risk of the tooth breaking. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired. A crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, porcelain attached to meta, or other non-metal materials.

A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled, and a crown is needed in most cases.

What are dental fillings?

Dental fillings are a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay, back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material of choice.

By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. 

Several types of materials can be used to fill the cavity including amalgam (a silver filling), or a composite resin (tooth-colored filling) material that matches the color of the tooth. We’ll discuss your options with you in detail, taking into account the location and size of the dental filling as well as your specific medical needs.

How do I know if I need a filling?

Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled. During a checkup, your dentist will use a small mirror to examine the surfaces of each tooth.

Anything that looks abnormal will then be closely checked with special instruments. Your dentist may also X-ray your entire mouth or a section of it. The type of treatment your dentist chooses will depend on the extent of damage caused by decay.

Your oral health is our top priority, and if we find that you’re in need of a dental filling, you can rest assured that the process will be comfortable from start to finish.

Can you remove my old metal/mercury-containing/outdated fillings?

Yes. At Exton Family Dentist, we aim to educate patients who have outdated dental fillings as well as address concerns regarding mercury-containing materials used in the past as fillings. Your safety and concerns are one of our highest priorities. 

We can remove old dental fillings and replace them with safe, non-toxic and durable materials that are completely metal-free.

How do I prevent cavities/tooth decay?

Oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities. This consists of regular professional cleaning (every 6 months), brushing at least twice a day, and flossing daily. X-rays may be taken yearly to detect possible cavity development in high-risk areas of the mouth.

It is best to eat chewy, sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) as part of a meal rather than alone as a snack. If possible, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after eating these foods. Limit snacking, since it creates a constant supply of acid in your mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints.

Dental sealants can prevent some cavities. Sealants are thin plastic-like coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents the buildup of plaque in the deep grooves on these surfaces. Sealants are often applied on the teeth of children, shortly after their molars come in. Older people may also benefit from tooth sealants.

Fluoride is often recommended to protect against tooth decay. People who get fluoride in their drinking water or by taking fluoride supplements have less tooth decay.

Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Many dentists include application of topical fluoride solutions (applied to a localized area of the teeth) as part of routine visits.

Contact Exton Family Dentist of Exton today at 610-280-7222 for superior dental care. Our team offers the highest quality dental services in Exton & the surrounding regions and combines years of experience with a friendly atmosphere to help you achieve your oral health goals.