Cavity Fillings: What You Should Know

Posted May 23, 2022

Going to the dentist can be an unsettling experience for many. The mouth is a sensitive area, which is why it’s so important to practice good dental hygiene and avoid skipping out on routine visits for dental care. While finding out you have a cavity during cleaning or a check-up can be stressful, getting a filling to prevent the issue from getting worse isn’t anywhere as scary as it sounds.

What is a Filling?

Dental fillings are used to treat decay in a tooth that leads to what’s known as a cavity. Cavities are often caused by bacteria and can lead to mouth sensitivity, and discoloration of your teeth and leave you feeling sore or experiencing pain when eating or drinking. Untreated cavities can lead to infections and even reach the nerves in your mouth, which may mean you need to remove the tooth altogether to treat it.

Fillings are often used to remove the bacteria before it gets to the point of needing a tooth removed, and to help prevent potential infections caused by a cavity. Fillings can be made out of resins, amalgam, gold, and more to fill the opening left by a cavity. This helps prevent bacteria in the future from growing and making a home in your mouth.

Are you Experiencing Mouth Sensitivity?

If you’ve noticed soreness in your mouth lately, it may be time for a check-up with your dentist. Routine visits can help remove plaque and prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and on your teeth. It can also help you avoid cavities from occurring. However, if you have a cavity that needs to be treated, getting a filling is a great way to safely remove bacteria and reduce inflammation that can lead to a nasty infection.