A cavity can be a stressful problem to have. When you need a cavity filling, knowing what to expect can make the experience better overall.

Your dentist in St. Louis, MO, can answer your questions and tell you about the procedure. This article will tell you about what a cavity filling is and what to expect during the cavity filling procedure.

What Is A Cavity Filling?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, which occurs in patients with high-sugar diets and poor oral hygiene habits. A cavity filling is a material that your dentist installs in the tooth to fill the hole and stop the decay from spreading. Cavity fillings come in two types: amalgam and composite. Amalgam fillings are dark gray or silver. They’re long-lasting and durable, as well.

Cavity Filling Options

Composite fillings are made from composite resin. These fillings are tooth-colored. Many people choose composite fillings for cavities near the front of their teeth.

What Happens During the Procedure

When you get a cavity filling, the dentist will start by numbing the area. Then, the dentist will drill into the tooth to remove the decayed material. Once the decayed tooth enamel is removed, the dentist will insert the filling. Getting a cavity filling can take less than an hour, and for some patients, getting a filling takes about twenty minutes.

You may not have any symptoms if you have a cavity, but many people notice pain and discomfort around the tooth. If you think you have a cavity, it’s important to get a dental checkup in St. Louis, MO. Call your dentist today, and let them know if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort.

Fillings are one of the most routine procedures you can get at the dentist, so it’s often easy to discount their importance. If you think you can skip a filling or two, we’ll look at the potential consequences of failing to care for your teeth.

Tooth Decay and You

Tooth decay can happen to anyone at any time. Kids, teens, young adults, middle-aged adults, and senior citizens can all experience some degree of tooth decay (even if the proportions are wildly different). When a dentist in St. Louis, MO recommends a filling, it’s because they found a small hole in the tooth. This filling makes the tooth whole again, so it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Filling?

The answer depends on the person in question. For some people, the process of tooth decay is very slow. However, the longer the tooth goes unfilled, the worse the decay will get. At some point, the hole will become too large for a filling. In that case, you may need a root canal to kill the nerve and then protect the tooth with a crown. In the worst-case scenario, the dentist will need to remove the tooth entirely.

Fillings in St. Louis, MO

While tooth extractions are nearly as common as fillings, it helps avoid them if possible. If you’re looking to get a tooth filling in St. Louis, MO, the staff at Smile Now STL can help you get everything taken care of faster than you think. Contact us today for this routine procedure before you need a more involved one down the line!