Fillings Specialist
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Community Smiles
Cosmetic Dentistry & Family Dentistry serving the areas of Elizabeth, Hillside, NJ, Union, NJ, & Newark, NJ
Do you have a cavity? If so, you need a filling. At Community Smiles in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the team of dedicated dental professionals provides high-quality fillings to restore their teeth and keep their mouth healthy. If you want to learn more about fillings or need to schedule an appointment, call the office or book a visit online today.
Fillings Q&A
How do cavities form?
Cavities are tiny holes in your enamel that often develop as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when you leave plaque on the surfaces of your teeth for too long.
Plaque is full of acids and bacteria that eat away at your tooth enamel, and the longer it’s in contact with your teeth, the more damage it does.
Thankfully, you can prevent cavities and tooth decay by practicing good oral hygiene, like brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Once a cavity forms, brushing and flossing can help stop its growth, but you’ll need to get a filling to properly treat the damage.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
Some of the signs of cavities include:
- Visible hole or pit in the surface of your tooth
- Brown, black, or white spots on your tooth
- Toothache
- Pain when you bite down
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Community Smiles immediately. Their dental team can perform a thorough inspection of your mouth to determine if you need a filling.
What is a filling?
A filling is a procedure to treat a cavity caused by tooth decay. It involves removing the decayed portion of your tooth and filling the resulting space with a special material. Filling refers to both the name of the procedure and the material used.
What happens when I get a filling?
First, your dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and the surrounding tissue. This makes the entire procedure easy and painless. Once you’re numbed, your provider removes all of the decay from your tooth.
Your dentist then cleans and sterilizes your tooth, and inserts the filling material into the cavity. Depending on the type of material selected for your filling, your dentist might shine a curing light on your tooth to help it harden.
Once the filling has hardened, your provider shapes it and removes any excess material so that it’s smooth.
To learn more about how a filling can improve your oral health, or to schedule your filling today, simply call the Community Smiles office or book a visit online.
