Cavities are the single most common oral health issue in the world, and almost every adult in America has at least one filling. Getting a filling to restore a decayed tooth is very important, and is essential for preserving your oral health. If you suspect you have a cavity, contact Vivid Dentistry right away for an appointment with Dr. Enzweiler in Crestview Hills, Villa Hills, or Fort Wright!
Small cavities can be treated with a filling, while larger cavities often require a pricier, more invasive dental crown, so early treatment is essential.
Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to a serious tooth infection, which will require treatment with root canal therapy.
Despite what you may have heard, cavities don’t usually hurt until they are very deep, so a toothache usually indicates an extremely deep cavity or a tooth infection. More commonly, cavities cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, or sugary foods and drinks.
You may also be able to see a cavity. Look for visible holes or pits in your tooth, or dark brown or black stains, which could indicate the presence of decay. It’s not always possible to determine if you have a cavity on your own, though, so make sure to come to Vivid Dentistry for a consultation with Dr. Enzweiler.
First, Dr. Enzweiler will clean and numb your mouth. Sedation can also be administered, if desired. Then, she will trim your tooth with a dental drill to remove any damaged or decayed tooth material. Once this is done, she will clean and dry the area.
Then, Dr. Enzweiler will apply a layer of tooth-colored dental resin to the cavity, shaping and sculpting it, and hardening it with a UV light. This process will continue as she fills in the cavity. Once the cavity has been filled and the tooth looks good, she will check your bite, and make any final adjustments to the filling. Then, you’re all done. The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Laughing gas uses nitrous oxide delivered through a nose mask to keep you feeling calm and fight back against pain and anxiety. It wears off after about 5 minutes, so you can get back to your day-to-day routine right after your appointment.
Unlike metal fillings, composite fillings can match the color of your teeth perfectly. This provides superior cosmetic results. Composite fillings are also free of mercury, which some patients prefer, and they bond tightly to the natural enamel, so they are very strong and durable. For these reasons, Dr. Enzweiler exclusively uses composite filling materials at our office.
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