You have a cavity, and you want to know if your family dentist in Mountain View can take care of it for you. Your family dentist offers a variety of procedures, including fillings. Learn more about the process your dentist will use when fixing your cavity. Then you can schedule an appointment to get your cavity filled.
Some patients realize they have cavities and go to the dentist. Others do not know they have decay and the dentist finds it during the regular exam and checkup. Regardless of how the cavity is discovered, dentists follow a process for restoring the decayed teeth. The process is completed in a single visit.
Dentists begin by injecting a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jaw and gums. Dentists ensure the patient is numb and then remove the decay with a drill. Dentists must also remove some of the healthy tooth structure. Then they prepare the tooth to accept the filling material.
Dentists use various materials for filling cavities. Composite resin is the most common material. Composite resin matches the natural tooth color and it bonds to the tooth, effectively filling the hole left behind by the decay. The bonding process strengthens the tooth.
Patients can also choose amalgam fillings. Amalgam usually contains silver, mercury and tin. The filling material does not match the natural teeth, but some people prefer it because it lasts longer. However, the material expands and contracts when it comes into contact with extreme cold or heat. In some cases, this can cause the filling to fail.
After the material is selected, the dentist places the filling. When placing a composite filling, the dentist begins by putting a blue gel on the tooth. The gel contains acid that puts tiny holes in the tooth. This allows the filling to bond with the tooth.
The acid is rinsed away and the tooth is dried. Then the first layer of composite resin is placed on the tooth. The dentist shines a light on the resin to harden it quickly. Another layer is placed and the light is shined on the resin once again. The dentist continues this process until the cavity is filled.
The process for placing amalgam filling is different. It begins with mixing the material. Then the dentist places the material in the tooth using an amalgam carrier. The dentist presses the amalgam into the tooth and shapes it. The filling is molded to follow the shape of the tooth.
If you have a cavity, do not wait to get it fixed. Cavities get worse over time, and you could eventually need a more complex restoration such as a crown. Your dentist will numb the area, remove the decay and place the filling. You can choose which filling material you want for your restoration.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
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