Tooth Cavity Filling | Cosmetic Dentistry Center
Procedures

Cavity Specialist

Cavities can really hurt, but some people worry that getting a filling might be worse. The exceptional team of dental professionals at Cosmetic Dentistry Center provides cavity treatment that doesn’t include pain or distress. If you live in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York, and you think you might have a cavity, don’t hesitate to call the office, or schedule an appointment online today.

Questions & Answers

Cavity Q & A

Cavities are holes in tooth enamel that are caused by decay due to bacteria inside your mouth. Bacteria from food, especially sugar, can form a sticky film over your teeth called plaque. Because plaque is difficult to remove, it destroys tooth enamel over time.

Cavities are most common in children and adults over the age of 55, but they can occur at any age. Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits and cleanings are effective at preventing cavities at any age.

Cavities begin as tiny holes so you might not notice any signs when a cavity is in its early stages. As cavities progress, they destroy more and more of the outer tooth enamel and can reach the soft tissues of your tooth, which can be extremely painful.

It’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Tooth pain
  • Pain when biting down
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Dark spots on your teeth

Pain from cavities can be dull, or it may be intense or throbbing. Left untreated, cavities can lead to broken teeth, gum infection, or periodontal disease.

The skilled team at Cosmetic Dentistry Center can treat minor cavities without drilling or anesthesia. They use a special sealant to close the hole in your tooth, so it doesn’t get worse.

More advanced cavities usually require filling. Your caring dentist uses a local anesthetic, as well as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make sure you’re relaxed, comfortable, and free of pain during your procedure.

The dentist first uses a drill to remove the decayed material from your tooth, and then they fill the hole. In most cases, porcelain fillings are recommended, but metal and resin-based fillings are also options.

Be sure to follow your dentist’s specific instructions for oral care following your procedure. You’ll probably be a little sensitive for a few days following your procedure, but it won’t be long before you can chew and eat without pain or sensitivity.

If you have a toothache, especially if your pain is severe, don’t wait to see an expert at Cosmetic Dentistry Center. Call the office, or schedule an appointment online today.