9833 Tecumseh Rd. E. Windsor, ON Phone. (519) 735 7600

Cavities, considered plainly, are holes in your teeth caused by decay. It is occasionally possible to spot a cavity if you notice a dark brown or gray colour in the centre of your tooth. Cavities are created by certain types of bacteria that are contained in plaque; they interact with the carbohydrates and sugars in your food, creating an acidic environment that dissolves the enamel on the outer layer of your tooth. Once the acid erodes the enamel, the soft dentin layer of your tooth is exposed, which will ultimately cause the formation of a cavity. After the dentin has been exposed, the decay process rapidly accelerates and spreads further into the tooth.

Once you have a cavity, a filling is needed to correct it. If left untreated, the decay will eventually expand and enter into your nerve canal, which can be incredibly painful. It can also lead to more serious problems such as infection or abscess. In addition to potential pain, discomfort and possible tooth loss, if you wait to have your cavity filled you may end up needing a more difficult procedure (such as a root canal) to save your tooth. It could also cost you a lot more money to fix. The bottom line is you should get your cavity filled as soon as you can.
Process

Composite is the filling material of choice when it comes to matching your tooth color. Composite fillings consist of plastic and glass particles.

  1. First, the decay in your tooth is scoured and a cleansing gel is applied.
  2. Next, a bonding solution is applied, followed by the composite filling material.
  3. Composite is hardened by applying a high intensity blue light. It only takes a few seconds for the materials to harden.
  4. Once the tooth is filled and the composite has hardened, the filling is checked to insure the proper shape and look. At this point any necessary adjustments are made and then your filling is complete.



Post-procedure Concerns

Following the filling procedure it is very common to experience some discomfort, normally at the site of the anesthetic or in the tooth itself. In those circumstances, your dentist will recommend an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen. If your symptoms persist or increase, you should visit your dentist – in some cases the decay could be quite deep and close to the nerve of the tooth; in these instances the nerve could already be infected with bacteria. Even though a filling has been placed, there is still a chance that the tooth may need to under-go root canal therapy to relieve the discomfort.

Dental Emergencies

South Star Family Dental, is committed to provide prompt treatment for any dental emergency.

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Address:

9833 Tecumseh Rd E
(across from Super Bowl Lanes)
Windsor, ON N8R 1A5

Phone: 
(519) 735-7600

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