Can you fill a decayed tooth

Some of the most widely used options include the following materials:. According to Kenneth Rothschild, DDS, who has 40 years of experience as a general dentist, composite plastics have been used with more success over the last few decades because of their greater strength, better color varieties, and superior expected longevity. According to Rothschild, amalgam fillings set weakly in 1 hour and are at full strength in about 24 hours.

Composite fillings and glass ionomer fillings are usually light cured. They are set in 1 to 2 millimeter thick layers, Rothschild said, taking about 2 to 20 seconds per layer. Most fillings heal quickly with no problem. After the anesthetic wears off, your tooth may feel a little sensitive, but this usually goes away in a day or so. You can reduce tooth sensitivity by:. Let your dentist know if your bite feels off, or if you have any long-lasting pain or sensitivity.

Your dentist may need to adjust the filling surface to improve your bite. How long your filling lasts depends, in part, on your dental hygiene. Diligent dental care can extend the life of your filling and prevent a new cavity from forming on your tooth. The lifetime of a filling can also vary depending on the materials used.

In general:. The sooner a cavity is treated, the better the outcome for your tooth, and the less invasive the treatment is likely to be. Usually, there are some warning signs of a cavity , such as:. If you suspect you may have a cavity, make sure to visit your dentist. They can determine whether you need a filling or other treatment. The procedure usually takes about an hour for a standard, uncomplicated filling. Ask your dentist about the pros and cons of possible filling materials for your tooth.

They can also let you know the best way to care for your filling. If you have dental insurance, check to find out what types of fillings are covered. Your insurance may not cover more expensive materials. Are your teeth feeling extra sensitive after a filling? Here's why this happens and when it should go away. It contains the nerves and blood vessels that help to keep the tooth healthy.

The nerves present in the pulp also provide sensation to the tooth. When damage to the pulp happens, it may become irritated and start to swell. This can lead to pain. As tooth decay advances into the pulp, bacteria can invade and cause an infection.

Increased inflammation in the tooth can lead to a pocket of pus forming at the bottom of your tooth, called an abscess. Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain that may radiate into the jaw. Other symptoms that may be present include swelling of the gums, face or jaw , fever , and swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

A tooth abscess requires prompt treatment, as the infection can spread into the bones of your jaw as well as other areas of your head and neck. In some cases, treatment may involve removing the affected tooth. The images below illustrate the different stages of tooth decay. This earliest stage of tooth decay can actually be reversed before more permanent damage occurs.

This can be achieved by treating the teeth with fluoride. Fluoride works to strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by plaque bacteria. Fluoride can also be found in some types of toothpastes and is often present in tap water. About 74 percent of Americans that get their tap water from a community water system receive fluorinated water. When tooth decay enters this stage, cavities are often present. Fillings are used to treat cavities. When giving a filling, your dentist will first use a tool to clear away any areas of decay.

This material is typically the same color as your tooth. Because dentin is softer than the enamel, decay moves at a faster rate when it reaches this stage. If identified early, dentin decay may be treated with a filling. In more advanced cases, placement of a crown may be required. A crown is a covering that covers the top portion of your tooth above the gums also called the crown of the tooth.

The decayed area is removed before the crown is placed. Some healthy tooth tissue may be removed as well to ensure that the crown fits well to your tooth. In a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed. The tooth cavity is then cleaned and filled in. A crown is placed on the affected tooth. If an abscess has formed in your tooth, your dentist will likely perform a root canal to remove the infection and seal the tooth. In severe cases, the affected tooth may need to be removed completely.

You should expect to be at your dentist's office for around an hour. This gives him or her enough time to take x-rays if needed, talk to you about the procedure and complete the dental work.

Before filling cavities, your dentist will numb your teeth, gums and surrounding skin to avoid and lessen discomfort during the procedure. Next, he or she will drill out the decay in the tooth and replace it with a filling.

This process only takes a few minutes. Once you're done, your mouth will probably remain numb for a few more hours. The most common use of tooth fillings is to fill a cavity in the tooth. But tooth fillings also can be used to repair damage to teeth caused by teeth grinding bruxism or to replace part of a broken tooth. Many options are available for tooth fillings, and all of them have their pros and cons.