The most common complaint we see is tooth pain that results from a cavity. Cavities develop from decay that causes a hole in the tooth. Cavities can be quite painful, and they do require treatment to prevent further and more serious issues in the affected tooth and surrounding gums.
Our process requires examination of your teeth and Dr. Hoertdoerfer will use a probe to locate the cavity. X-rays may be taken, though not always. We will numb the area before we begin the work to remove the harmful decay, and then a filling is affixed to the area to protect the rest of the tooth. Fillings are made of a composite resin and resemble the color of your teeth so that your mouth appears natural and healthy immediately after leaving your visit.
Bacteria causes a breakdown in the enamel of your teeth, and we often refer to this as tooth decay. Fillings are used in place of the area of your tooth where bacteria caused damage and where we removed the decay. If bacteria continued to destroy the tooth without repair, you will likely require a root canal because the bacteria can penetrate all the way to your nerve. In order to stop the bacteria/decay your dentist will remove the bacteria/decay and then place a filling in the tooth to rebuild the anatomy of the tooth and allow you to chew and bite.
Yes, a filling only removes the decay causing bacteria that exists at the time of the filling. Decay can present itself on any part of the natural tooth that does not have a filling for example.
Sealants can chip or break causing the need to be replaced.
Once the anesthesia wears off you should be able to eat and drink.
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