Dental Fillings in Port Orange

Understanding the Basics

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a result of tooth decay that occurs from poor oral hygiene. When you don’t thoroughly brush or floss your teeth consistently, it leads to a buildup of plaque along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria that feeds off of left behind sugars in the mouth and releases acids that attack your tooth enamel.

Over time, these acid attacks wear away at the enamel and form holes, also known as cavities. If a cavity is left untreated, the decay can penetrate deeper into the tooth and once it reaches the dental pulp, you’ll be left with an infection that will spread to the other teeth unless it’s treated with a root canal or extraction.

Know the Signs

Identify a Cavity

Early detection and prevention are important to prevent significant decay that leads to a tooth infection and the possible loss of your tooth. By attending regular dental cleanings and checkups, you reduce your risk of developing cavities and we can spot decay before it’s too late. We can detect cavities through an oral exam or x-rays.

During your checkup, we look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If we notice anything such as discoloration, holes, or pits, we may take an x-ray to get a closer look between the teeth, which show cavities in the teeth as a darker shade than the rest of the tooth. You may also experience symptoms that suggest you could have a cavity, including:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Hole in the tooth
• Discoloration
• Pain when biting
• Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods/drinks

The Dental Filling Process

Filling a Cavity

A cavity is an effective treatment for early decay that manifests as a cavity. The decay is removed and then we fill the tooth to rebuild the structure that has been removed with a material such as silver amalgam or composite resin.

This restores the appearance, function, structure, and health of your tooth. We numb your mouth before drilling out the decay so you don’t feel any pain. You may experience some tooth sensitivity a few days following the procedure but it should resolve itself quickly.

If you need a filling, contact us at Smillie Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Smillie or Dr. Helen Smillie.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Care & Upkeep for Fillings

The best way to care for your fillings is to practice good oral hygiene, reduce wear and tear, and regularly visit the dentist. Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.

Fillings can become worn down, chipped, or dislodged over time when exposed to too much wear and tear, especially in the rear molars where they withstand a lot of chewing force. Don’t chew on excessively hard or sticky foods or ice.

Never use your teeth as tools to open packages and avoid teeth grinding by wearing a mouthguard if you suffer from bruxism. You should also visit the dentist for dental cleanings and checkups every 6 months.