DENTAL FILLINGS
Repairing Cavities in Fairfax, Virginia
When bacteria gets trapped on a tooth, decay can begin to form. Cavities most commonly appear on the chewing surface of the tooth, where the deep groves offer an ideal spot for food and bacteria to form. Fillings are a type of restorative dentistry procedure used to treat cavities.
What Are Cavities?
Dental caries, also called cavities, are holes of damage on the teeth caused by the accumulation of bacteria. Cavities can form for a variety of reasons—from eating a sugar-rich diet to practicing poor dental hygiene. Some people are more prone to getting cavities due to their genetics. Cavities are most prevalent in children and young adults, but they can also form on adult teeth. Untreated cavities can cause sensitivity, pain, infections, and, in extreme cases, can even lead to tooth loss. At Fair Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we find that the best way to repair cavities is with fillings.
Preventing Cavities
Any amount of tooth decay can be harmful to your overall health. Though cavities are treatable, ideally we want to help patients to avoid them in the first place. Preventive dentistry can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Here are preventive care tips to help prevent cavities:
Preparing For Your Dental Fillings
We value the functionality and appearance of dental restorations, which is why, though we treat cavities with a variety of filling materials, most patients prefer our composite fillings. Made of tooth-colored resin, composite fillings blend with your teeth, creating an overall natural appearance. Fillings are durable and can be used on either the front or the back teeth.
Placing a filling is a common dental procedure at our Fairfax office. However, we recognize that every patient is different, and we take an individualized approach to all patient care. Before filling the cavity, Dr. Tran or Dr. Nguyen will meet with you to determine your needs, taking into account the size and location of your cavity.
What To Expect During Dental Fillings
With any kind of procedure, we first help patients feel as comfortable. When you’re ready to begin, our dentist first uses a local anesthetic to numb the area. After removing the decay, the cavity is cleaned and prepared for the filling. The filling is applied and hardened using a special light.
You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for an hour or so, but most filling procedures require little or no specific aftercare. The most common symptom following the procedure is sensitivity to cold or heat in the area. This feeling should subside fairly quickly, but you should call your dentist if it persists for more than a few days.
You may have a cavity that needs filling and not even know it. This is why regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups is so important. If you’re a new patient, or even if you’re a patient but haven’t seen us in a while, we’re happy to help! Call 703-273-4505 or make an appointment with us online using our scheduling form.