An In-Depth Look at Cavities & Fillings

I think we can all agree on the one word we never want to hear at a dental office: cavity. There’s something about hearing you have a cavity that may make you feel a little nervous. Don’t worry though! In this blog, we are going to talk about cavities, fillings, and what you can do to stop them. 

What Are Cavities?

A cavity, or tooth decay, is the destruction of your tooth’s enamel and dentin. Essentially, it’s a hole in your tooth. Ready for a little lesson on how cavities are formed? Plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque break down the sugars to produce acids that dissolve the tooth structure. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel and dentin can break down.  Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur during the aging process can cause cavities in adults as well. 

What Is a Filling?

A filling is a treatment option for teeth that have been damaged by cavities. Fillings can restore teeth back to their normal shape, allowing for proper function and prevention of further decay.  Filling a cavity is one of the most commonly done procedures in our office.  If the cavity is shallow, no anesthetic will be needed.  If the cavity is larger, Dr. Abrams and his team will make sure that you are at ease with almost no discomfort.  We use the most up to date materials to fill cavities such as resins that match the shade of the existing tooth.  It is also very important to take great care of your teeth after a filling is placed as the filling can fail without proper hygiene.

How to Prevent Cavities and Avoid Fillings?

The good news when it comes to cavities is that prevention is definitely an option. According to the American Dental Association, good dental hygiene is the first step in preventing tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Whenever possible, you should drink water that contains fluoride. This will help to strengthen your enamel. Limit your snacking and try to avoid sugary drinks. Additionally, you could ask Dr. Abrams about placing a sealant on the surface of your teeth. This will cover the pits and grooves of your teeth and help eliminate places for bacteria to collect. 

At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we prioritize proper preventative dental care and oral hygiene. Dr. Abrams and the rest of the DFFD team will work hard to make sure that your teeth are healthy and beautiful for many years to come. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Abrams, fill out our contact form or give us a call at 615-595-6111.