The body has an amazing way of adapting and healing. Unfortunately, this ability does not extend to the teeth. Bacteria, generally comes from a diet that includes exposure to sugar, breaks down the enamel (outer surface of the tooth) and continues to progress until the tooth is destroyed.
Fortunately, a dental filling can be completed by the dentist to restore the damaged tooth structure. During this procedure, the patient receives local anesthesia (a numbing injection), the decay (damaged tooth structure) and bacteria is removed. The tooth is then filled in with a white, tooth-colored material that matches the shade of the existing tooth structure. Amalgam fillings (Silver fillings) are only used if the filing needs to go under the gum on the back teeth, or if the patient requests to have one.
A filling stops the growth of a cavity in that area and restores the damaged tooth structure. It is important to keep up with your six-month check-ups in order to catch a cavity while it is still small. It is also important to have a healthy diet, brush twice a day and floss every day to keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy!
Cavities are the result of tooth decay. Your dentist will use different methods to restore your teeth depending on the location of the cavity