Fillings for Cavities in Centuria, WI

Protect Your Smile From Cavities

If one or more of your teeth has been decayed as a result of a cavity, dental fillings may be the ideal solution. They not only restore your tooth, but they protect it from further damage and bacteria.

At River Birch Dental, our experienced dental team is prepared to treat your cavity using effective treatment methods. No matter the condition or number of cavities you have, we’ll work to save your natural tooth and preserve your overall oral health.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities are the result of tooth decay, eventually forming a hole in the tooth. If left untreated, the decay can eat away at deeper layers of the tooth. This may result in complications such as infections or tooth loss.

Fortunately, cavities can be easily treated and prevented. About 90 percent of adults have reported having a cavity in their lifetime. At River Birch Dental, our experienced Centuria dental team has the skills and knowledge to treat your cavity and get your oral health back on track.

 

What Causes Cavities?

There are many factors that lead to the development of cavities, which is why it’s such a common dental health issue. Some common causes of cavities include:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: This is the most common cause of cavities. Improper or nonexistent oral hygiene habits can contribute to the development of cavities.
  • Plaque Build-Up: The formation of plaque is due to the combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Over time, this can wear down your teeth and may lead to cavity formation.
  • Acid and Bacteria: Bacteria is naturally present in your mouth, but when they break down carbohydrates, it forms acid, which can lead to a cavity.
  • Certain Foods and Drinks: Carbohydrates leave a residue on your teeth, and can only be removed by brushing. Even after we brush, some of these particles are still present, which could result in plaque.
  • Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to decrease plaque buildup by washing it away. Without it, cavities may be allowed to form more easily.
  • Other Health Conditions: Conditions such as chronic gastric reflux disease or bulimia cause acid to travel from the stomach into the mouth, leading to cavities.

Patients may also require a tooth-colored filling due to cracks, fractures, wear and tear, or other damage to the tooth.

close up picture of a back molar

Treating Cavities

At River Birch Dental, we don’t perform one-size-fits-all treatments. That’s why we’ll discuss your options with you when it comes to treating cavities. Depending on the severity of your situation, Dr. Vargas may recommend crowns or root canals.

However, these procedures are typically reserved for advanced cases of cavities. For most patients, she’ll likely recommend a filling. This minimally invasive treatment can be completed in just one visit to our Centuria dental office.

Fillings

Fillings prevent cavities from further damaging the tooth by removing decay and filling the tooth with either amalgam (silver) or composite resin. While both solutions have their positives and negatives, the best filling option for you depends largely on your preference in color and what your insurance will cover. Dr. Vargas will be able to help you decide which filling is best for you at your initial consultation.

The process of placing a filling is simple. After administering a local anesthetic, Dr. Vargas will drill away any plaque or decay. She’ll then fill the tooth with your desired solution, protecting your tooth from cavities and bacteria.

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