A cavity is a term used to describe a small-to-medium-sized area of tooth decay. It forms when the pervasive bacteria in your mouth work to exploit weakened tooth enamel. While most cavities are a result of an ineffective or inconsistent oral hygiene routine, they can also result from insufficient fluoride exposure in your average day.
Most small and medium cavities can be repaired with an ordinary filling made from gold, porcelain, amalgam or composite materials. To do this, one of our dentists, Dr. Timothy Ross or Dr. Susan Chmiel will numb the tooth and surrounding gums before removing the decayed enamel. This will provide a clean, healthy enamel surface for the final filling to adhere to.
Gold and porcelain fillings need to be prepared in a dental lab, and will require a brief follow-up appointment. Amalgam and composite fillings can be repaired in one single session. The exact material Dr. Ross and Dr. Chmiel recommend for your filling will depend on the tooth’s primary function and its appearance in your smile. Once it is applied and the cement is allowed to cure, the filling should effectively repair the tooth for a long time to come.
If you suspect that a cavity has formed on one of your teeth, you should not delay in having it treated. Having it repaired early reduces your chances of developing serious complications later. Please call our skilled team in Franklin, Wisconsin at 414-525-0300 to set up an appointment. We will have you smiling again in no time!