Dental Fillings: Your First Line of Defense Against Emerging Tooth Decay

If you’ve ever had a cavity, you know it’s painful and inconvenient. You begin to avoid hard foods and sometimes stop chewing on one side of your mouth altogether. 

In the early stages of tooth decay, you may notice white or brown spots forming on the tooth’s surface. With time, these spots further degrade, becoming holes in your teeth that are painful and sensitive. 

A simple dental filling is one of the most efficient ways to treat tooth decay, especially if caught early. The filling prevents the tooth from continuing to decay so that you can avoid more complicated treatments like a root canal or even an extraction.

The thing about treating tooth decay is that a filling can’t help when it’s at an advanced stage. That’s why Nancy Horton, DMD, and our team at OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, recommend early intervention to save you from complex and expensive dental procedures.

Here, she explains why dental fillings are your best defense against emerging tooth decay and provides everything you need to know about the procedure. 

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria build up on your tooth, first causing plaque. It’s easy to get rid of plaque with professional dental cleanings; however, if you don’t visit us regularly, the bacteria starts to break down your tooth, causing decay.

You don’t immediately experience pain in the early stages of tooth decay, which is why it goes unnoticed until a hole has formed. Once the decay goes beyond your enamel, you experience pain and sensitivity. At this point, getting a filling is crucial to prevent further decay.

How can dental fillings help?

Dental fillings stop decay in its tracks. When Dr. Horton removes the decayed portion of your tooth and puts in a filling, it strengthens the tooth and prevents it from continuing to decay. 

The decay will likely progress without a filling, leading to more severe complications such as infection, abscesses, or the need for more invasive treatments like root canals.

Cavities hurt, making it difficult to eat and chew. Dental fillings help by sealing off the affected area so bacteria can’t enter and cause more damage, allowing you to chomp down on your favorite foods without fear.

What to expect during the procedure

If this is your first dental filling, don’t worry. It’s a straightforward process that we typically complete in one visit. The first step is a thorough examination of your teeth. Dr. Horton takes X-rays to see the extent of the decay and plan her best approach.

Before the procedure begins, she numbs the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic. Once numb, she removes the decayed portion of the tooth to prevent the cavity from worsening.

After removing the decay, Dr. Horton cleans the cavity and prepares it for the filling. After putting in the filling, she shapes and polishes it so it matches the rest of your tooth and has a comfortable bite.

If you suspect you have a cavity, don’t delay treatment. Fillings are a simple and efficient way to treat a cavity before it escalates into a more severe dental issue. 

At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain strong, healthy teeth. To treat your cavity at any stage, schedule an appointment with us today or call 813-879-9299.