Dentist working on a woman's teeth with her assistant

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.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Crown or Filling

March 21, 2024

At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we understand dental procedures can sometimes feel...

Read More

Your Guide to Unveiling the Beauty of Dental Veneers

February 22, 2024

Have you ever admired someone’s flawless smile and wondered how they achieved...

Read More

Say Goodbye to Sensitivity: Effective Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

February 19, 2024

Are you tired of wincing in pain every time you indulge in...

Read More

Understanding Gum Disease & How to Prevent Periodontal Problems

February 5, 2024

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis and periodontal disease, is a condition...

Read More

Primescan Technology Gives Our Patients the Best Dental Care

January 25, 2024

Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry is proud to introduce the latest addition to...

Read More

Composite vs. Amalgam: Understanding Dental Fillings

January 11, 2024

When it comes to dental fillings, many patients have questions about the...

Read More

Dental Items Make Great Stocking Stuffers

December 14, 2023

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, we often think of big-ticket items....

Read More

Your First Visit: What to Expect

December 12, 2023

Welcome to Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, where we believe in providing comprehensive...

Read More

Fluoride: The Secret Ingredient for Strong and Healthy Teeth

November 30, 2023

As a dentist, I am often asked about the secret to healthy...

Read More

Choosing the Best Dental Insurance and the Right Plan for you

November 9, 2023

Dental visit anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all...

Read More

Overcoming Dental Visit Anxiety: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Appointment

October 12, 2023

Dental visit anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all...

Read More

The Tooth of the Matter—Understanding Your Teeth’s Functions

September 28, 2023

The human mouth is a complex system that plays a significant role...

Read More

What is an Onlay/Crown?

September 14, 2023

What Are Onlays and Crowns? We recently explored the differences between fillings...

Read More

What Is the Difference Between a Filling and an Inlay?

August 24, 2023

Maintaining good oral health is essential for a confident smile and overall...

Read More

Maintaining your teeth with orthodontics.

August 10, 2023

In our last blog, we talked about clear aligner trays as an...

Read More