What is a cavity?

Here is some information from the local dentist office near Cinnaminson.

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that forms from tooth decay.

When you eat and drink, bacteria in your mouth feeds on the sugars that are found in theses foods and drinks. The bacteria create acids that break down the hard, outer layer of your tooth (enamel).

You can get a cavity on any tooth and in any place on your tooth. Only a licensed dental professional can treat and repair your tooth once a cavity has formed.

What does a cavity do to your tooth?

When tooth decay gets through your enamel, a cavity can form. Once the cavity forms in your enamel, it can continue to spread deeper into the layers of your tooth.

If the cavity gets to the pulp – or center – of your tooth, bacterial from your mouth can infect the nerves in your tooth. This can be very painful. An abscess – or a pus -filled sac – can form and even become a serious, life threatening infection if you don’t treat it.

How is your cavity treated?

What do you need to do to treat your cavity will depend on how far inside your tooth the decay has spread.
Cavities will require some type of filling. This means that the dentist will fill the hole in your tooth with a material that will restore your tooth and protect it from any more damage.

What to expect when you get a filling from local dentist office near Cinnaminson

Before your appointment

Be sure to follow directions from local dentist office near Cinnaminson and your dental team
Tell your dentist about any recent health issues
Tell your dentist about any and all medicines, vitamins and drugs you use
If possible, eat one hour before your appointment. Your mouth may be numb from the visit for a few hours afterward and you will not be able to eat

During your appointment

Your dental team will help you feel comfortable during your treatment. And they will go over options that will make sure you do not feel any pain in and around the tooth being filled.
Your mouth may be numbed
Your dentist will remove all of the decayed area from your tooth
IF the cavity has spread farther than expected, you may need more treatment

Materials used to fill cavitiesThere are a few of the types of fillings your local dentist office near Cinnaminson may use to fill your tooth:

Amalgam or metal fillings are silver colored
Composite or white fillings are the same color as your teeth.

Sometimes here is an important reason why one type of filling should be used. You and your dentist should talk about the types of filling that should be used for your tooth.

Restoring your tooth

After the decay is removed, your tooth is rinsed and dried to get it ready for the filling material.
The filling material is placed in your tooth.
Once your new filling is in place, your dentist will shape it to make sure the form of your tooth is restored.
Your bite will be checked to make sure it feels natural.

After your appointment

You can usually return to normal activities like work and school right away. But be sure to follow all of the instructions from your dental team.
Your mouth may continue to be numb for a while, even up to several hours
Avoid eating while your mouth is numb. You may bite your tongue or cheek and not even know it. Instead, drink liquids through a straw until the numbness goes away. Your dentist may also tell you what to eat.
Your jaw may be sore or tender but this will also go away after a few hours
You may experience some tooth sensitivity after your treatment.
Be sure to know how to reach your dental team after office hours in case you have any questions or concerns

Other treatments from the local dentist office near Cinnaminson for your decay

If your cavity is very large, a filling may not be enough. Your tooth may need to have a crown, an inlay or an only placed on it.
If the nerves of your tooth are infected, you may need a root canal treatment.
If your tooth is badly damaged from a cavity, then it may have to be removed. Your dentist will talk with you about your options and the best way to get your mouth healthy again.

Do you have more questions to local dentist office near Cinnaminson?

Rapha Dental is local dentist office near you and located in Cinnaminson. Call us today at 856-829-8668 to schedule your appointment!

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Treating Cavities