When plaque accumulates on your teeth excessively, you may experience a cavity. Unfortunately, cavities cannot resolve on their own and require the expertise of a highly trained and experienced dentist.
The filling procedure begins when a dentist numbs the part of the mouth they are treating with a local anesthetic. As soon as the area is completely numb, the dentist will use a drill or laser to remove the decay from the tooth. Then, they’ll prepare the space for a filling by shaping the area. Next, the filling material will likely be hardened with a special light. Lastly, the dentist will polish the filling to get rid of any sharp edges that may injure the tongue or the lining of the cheeks.
While a cavity filling may sound like a complex, painful procedure, it’s actually quite simple and brings no discomfort at all. Most cavities can be filled in about an hour. However, if you have multiple cavities that need to be filled, you may need to visit the dentist multiple times.
Since we believe prevention is the best medicine, we encourage our patients to do whatever they can to prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and avoiding sugary foods and beverages can all help. Regular visits to the dentist are also important.
Schedule an Appointment at Mile High Smiles
If you are in need of a cavity filling, contact our Lakewood, Colorado dental office at (720) 239-1916 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levitin.
