Have you noticed one of your teeth feels very uncomfortable? If so, there’s a chance you may have developed a cavity. Tooth decay is a common but serious issue, one that impacts people of all age groups. Without treatment, you may develop complications that endanger the health and the stability of your tooth. How do you repair dental cavities? What can we do to restore the health of your smile and stop further discomfort?
Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Dental Cavities
Question: How do I know if I have a cavity?
Answer: We recommend patients see us once every six months. During your routine checkups, we can identify the presence of decay in the earliest stages, often treating the problem before you notice discomfort. Otherwise, your earliest indicators of decay will most likely include tooth sensitivity or a toothache, which means the cavity has already progressed quite a bit.
Question: What does a filling look like?
Answer: That depends on the type of filling you receive. Our silver and gold fillings will look like the metals they are made from. However, our composite fillings and porcelain inlays/onlays will look lifelike and blend with your smile. The version we recommend will depend on the severity of the decay and the position of the tooth.
Question: Is placing one comfortable?
Answer: Yes. Prior to the procedure we will administer a local anesthetic, which ensures the procedure is comfortable. We will then remove the decay, clean the tooth, and place the filling material. The entire procedure takes just one visit.
Question: What happens if a dental cavity isn’t treated?
Answer: Without treatment a cavity will continue to grow until the tooth becomes infected, requiring more substantial restorative treatments, such as a root canal.
To learn more, visit Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team in Arlington Heights IL, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.