Tooth cavity, medically referred to as dental caries, is a disease condition caused due to bacterial infection. The bacterial strain responsible for causing cavity are Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. They are capable of damaging the hard enamel and inner tissues of the tooth. If left untreated, the condition worsens and results in structural damage, called dental caries. It is a commonly manifested dental health problem, characterized by formation of unsightly holes in the tooth.
Timely addressing of dental caries is crucial to avoid painful complications and in severe cases, tooth loss. In fact, tooth decay and/or cavity is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. If diagnosed in the early stages, treatment of cavity involves remineralization of the damaged part. Nevertheless, for an advanced condition, cavity filling is recommended in most cases. Under this treatment method, the cavity or hole in the tooth is filled with a safe, filling material. Find out more information on tooth decay.
When to Go for Cavity Filling?
Dental caries are often asymptomatic until it affects the root or nerves of the tooth. The most noticeable cavity symptoms is frequent tooth pain, particularly after having sweets, cold and hot food items. With thorough inspection, holes or small pits are visible in the affected tooth. In case of any suspected symptoms, do not delay in getting medical attention. The dentist will inspect the affected tooth and perform diagnostic tests. Also, imaging tests may be taken to examine the extent of tooth destruction. If necessary, the dentist will recommend for a cavity filling procedure.
Cavity Filling Types
There are several types of filling, based on which cavity filling cost varies. To mention a few, there are silver (or amalgam) filling, gold filling, porcelain filling and composite resins. Out of these, gold type is the most durable method and does not react with the gums and adjacent mouth parts. However, silver and gold are easily noticeable and opted for less noticeable areas. With composite and porcelain fillings, the tooth color can be matched with the filling material. As far as cavity filing cost is concerned, gold and porcelain fillings are very expensive and may come up to USD 900 - USD 3000. Know more on cavity filling cost.
Cavity Filling Procedure and Aftercare
The dentist will prescribe the best cavity filling type for the candidate, based on level of decay, allergic history and budget. Whatever is the filling material used, the cavity filling procedure involves two primary steps, the first getting rid of the decayed part of the tooth and the second is filling the cleaned cavity with an appropriate filling material. Prior to the process, local anesthesia is delivered to numb the targeted tooth, gum, tongue and remaining mouth parts. The affected tooth part is then removed by using laser or air abrasion technique.
Once the damaged tooth portion is removed, the dentist will clean the cavity area to expel bacteria and other adhering residues. Following this, ridges are prepared for perfect fitting of the filling material. Then, a liner is laid in the affected tooth to overcome sensitivity and also, to promote restoration of the damaged part. Another consideration for deep cavity filling is placing a base material. The last step is introducing the filling material in the cavity.
After the procedure, the candidate should strictly follow proper dental care and cavity filling aftercare tips as directed by the dentist. The area may remain numb for several hours, even after filling is over. And cavity filling pain to some extent is quite usual. Other post cavity filling symptoms are sore gums and increased sensitivity to hot foods. To reduce unusual signs, the patient should refrain from very hot or cold foods and chewing hard foods. With correct cavity filling aftercare tips, the candidate will experience improvement in the shape and functioning of the tooth.
Timely addressing of dental caries is crucial to avoid painful complications and in severe cases, tooth loss. In fact, tooth decay and/or cavity is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. If diagnosed in the early stages, treatment of cavity involves remineralization of the damaged part. Nevertheless, for an advanced condition, cavity filling is recommended in most cases. Under this treatment method, the cavity or hole in the tooth is filled with a safe, filling material. Find out more information on tooth decay.
When to Go for Cavity Filling?
Dental caries are often asymptomatic until it affects the root or nerves of the tooth. The most noticeable cavity symptoms is frequent tooth pain, particularly after having sweets, cold and hot food items. With thorough inspection, holes or small pits are visible in the affected tooth. In case of any suspected symptoms, do not delay in getting medical attention. The dentist will inspect the affected tooth and perform diagnostic tests. Also, imaging tests may be taken to examine the extent of tooth destruction. If necessary, the dentist will recommend for a cavity filling procedure.
Cavity Filling Types
There are several types of filling, based on which cavity filling cost varies. To mention a few, there are silver (or amalgam) filling, gold filling, porcelain filling and composite resins. Out of these, gold type is the most durable method and does not react with the gums and adjacent mouth parts. However, silver and gold are easily noticeable and opted for less noticeable areas. With composite and porcelain fillings, the tooth color can be matched with the filling material. As far as cavity filing cost is concerned, gold and porcelain fillings are very expensive and may come up to USD 900 - USD 3000. Know more on cavity filling cost.
Cavity Filling Procedure and Aftercare
The dentist will prescribe the best cavity filling type for the candidate, based on level of decay, allergic history and budget. Whatever is the filling material used, the cavity filling procedure involves two primary steps, the first getting rid of the decayed part of the tooth and the second is filling the cleaned cavity with an appropriate filling material. Prior to the process, local anesthesia is delivered to numb the targeted tooth, gum, tongue and remaining mouth parts. The affected tooth part is then removed by using laser or air abrasion technique.
Once the damaged tooth portion is removed, the dentist will clean the cavity area to expel bacteria and other adhering residues. Following this, ridges are prepared for perfect fitting of the filling material. Then, a liner is laid in the affected tooth to overcome sensitivity and also, to promote restoration of the damaged part. Another consideration for deep cavity filling is placing a base material. The last step is introducing the filling material in the cavity.
After the procedure, the candidate should strictly follow proper dental care and cavity filling aftercare tips as directed by the dentist. The area may remain numb for several hours, even after filling is over. And cavity filling pain to some extent is quite usual. Other post cavity filling symptoms are sore gums and increased sensitivity to hot foods. To reduce unusual signs, the patient should refrain from very hot or cold foods and chewing hard foods. With correct cavity filling aftercare tips, the candidate will experience improvement in the shape and functioning of the tooth.
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