Cavity Fillings
Even people who take excellent care of their teeth sometimes have to deal with cavities. There are many reasons why you might get a cavity in your tooth. When you notice one or your dentist finds one, it is best to get it treated before it becomes more serious. The professional staff at Junction Dental will take good care of you and your teeth when you come into our West Seattle office for a cavity filling. Keep reading to learn more about cavities and the treatment process.
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What is a Tooth Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. Decay is usually caused by plaque build-up and the bacteria that feed off sugars and then produce acid which breaks down your enamel forming holes. However, anything that wears down your tooth and creates a hole can be considered a cavity. A cavity that is left untreated can become infected and eventually destroy the tooth. It can also spread to neighboring teeth. Tooth infections can spread to other parts of your body and be potentially life-threatening.
Dr. Iversen and the staff at Junction Dental are very efficient at spotting and diagnosing cavities. If we find a cavity in your teeth, we will explain where it is, why it might be there, and how we can treat it. Sometimes, if we find a tiny spot of tooth decay, we focus on preventive options instead of opting for a dental filling.
What Happens at a Dental Filling Appointment?
A cavity filling appointment takes about one hour. We try to provide you with a comfortable and efficient treatment process so that you can be on your way.
The dentist will begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth that the cavity is in. Once the area is numb, he will drill the affected area to remove the decay. If the decay is close to a nerve, he will inform you and may put it in an extra liner to help protect it. After drilling, you are left with a clean hole in your tooth, which the dentist will fill with a composite filling. The filling is hardened in your tooth with a special curing light.
At Junction Dental, we use an “Isolite” device for common procedures, such as tooth fillings. This device gives patients something to help keep their mouth open, protects their tongue and throat, and provides suction to reduce excess water in the mouth.
Is Getting a Cavity Filling Painful?
The pain and discomfort of this treatment are minimized thanks to anesthetics. Some people experience pain-free cavity treatment. We also offer minimal conscious sedation dentistry to calm and relax patients with various medications meant to alleviate anxiety. This can be either with Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”) or oral medication.
Can I Drive Myself Home After the Cavity Filling Appointment?
In most cases, yes. Getting cavities filled is a typical outpatient procedure. If sedation is used, you may need an escort to drive you to and from your appointment.
Dental Filling Cost
The cost will vary depending on the size of the cavity, the type of material used in the filling, and other factors. Most dental insurance plans will cover most of the cost of composite dental fillings. At Junction Dental, we will inform you how much your treatment estimate costs before doing anything.
Why Choose Junction Dental for Tooth Fillings?
We care about each patient, and we want what is best for you and your teeth. You will always receive a thorough explanation of your dental problem and restorative treatment options. We are experienced at filling cavities, and you can trust us to get the job done correctly the first time. If anything about our process doesn’t feel right, or if you are uncomfortable, let us know, and we will do what we can to make it better and more manageable.
If you have an untreated cavity, set up a dental filling appointment today. Dental decay doesn’t get better on its own. It will spread and create more extensive cavities and more pain once it reaches a nerve. We’ll help you get it fixed, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Contact us to get the dental care you need.