Cavity Treatments

Cavity repair treatment at Gentle Dental starts with a thorough examination using advanced imaging technology to detect even the smallest areas of tooth decay. Depending on the extent of the cavity, treatment may involve removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a tooth-colored composite resin material. For larger cavities, a crown or cap may be recommended to restore the tooth's structure and function.

What To Expect

During a cavity treatment, your dentist will first numb the area to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. They'll then gently remove the decayed part of your tooth using special tools, cleaning out the cavity to prepare it for filling. Finally, your dentist will fill the cleaned cavity with a durable material, restoring the tooth's shape and function, and you'll be able to eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off.

After The Procedure

After getting a cavity filled, the numbness will gradually wear off over the next few hours. You'll be able to eat normally but should avoid extremely hot or cold foods until the area is no longer sensitive. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, flossing carefully around your new filling or crown. Any residual discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Do I Need Cavity Treatment?

It's important to visit the dentist as soon as possible if you experience any signs of a cavity, such as a visible hole or pit in your tooth, tooth pain or sensitivity, or a brown, black, or white stained area on a tooth's surface. The earlier a cavity is treated, the easier and less invasive the treatment will be. Catching cavities in their earliest stages when they are just small areas of demineralized enamel allows your dentist to reverse the decay process. This prevents the need for a filling and preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

Delaying treatment for an existing cavity allows more time for decay to spread, requiring more extensive drilling to remove decayed areas before filling the tooth. If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth, a root canal may become necessary. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to infections, abscesses, and potential tooth loss if decay penetrates too far into the tooth. Early treatment stops pain, prevents further damage, and is more affordable than dealing with larger areas of decay.