Have A Cavity? What To Do Next
by Christy Long
If you get a sharp pain every time that you bite into some food or if you just feel a constant throbbing in your mouth, you may have a cavity. A cavity is the most common type of oral condition out there. But what is it? Essentially, if you have too much sugar and plaque on your teeth, it can eat away at your tooth and cause a hole which exposes your tooth's nerves. The result? A lot of pain and discomfort. To make sure that your cavity gets taken care of and that it doesn't result in an infection, this article will discuss tooth fillings. Read on to learn some more.
What's a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is basically exactly as it sounds: it's a solution to fill the hole (the cavity) in your mouth. Typically, your doctor will use an amalgam filling, which is a tooth color that they paint on your tooth, and then use a light to harden it. However, there are metal fillings as well that they can use. Either way, you and your dentist will choose a filling that you like and that fits into your dental plan as well.
Do They Hurt?
Before your dentist starts to fill your tooth, they will numb the tooth and gums around it; that way, you don't feel a thing. Once the mouth is numbed, they will then get started filling the tooth. Once you are sent home to recover, your mouth may feel a little bit sore but it shouldn't last for very long. To help ease any discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or Advil, which will help with pain and swelling. Also, you can try to eat soft foods for the first few days after your tooth has been filled.
Do They Last?
Typically, dental fillings will last about 7-10 years on average, but that can vary depending on how well you take care of your teeth. To help your fillings last longer, avoid super sticky foods like taffy and caramel. Also, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and that you get regular dental cleanings as well.
Tooth fillings are one of the most common things that dentists perform on patients. If you found out that you have a cavity, don't worry too much about it. As long as you get a filling, it should be taken care of in no time.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.