Step 1: Diagnosis and X-Rays

First things first, your dentist needs to confirm that you have a cavity. This is usually done during a regular check-up where they visually examine your teeth and may use a small probe to check for soft spots. Often, they’ll also take X-rays to see the extent of the decay, especially if it’s not visible to the naked eye.

Step 2: Numbing the Area

To keep you comfortable during the procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. This usually involves applying a gel to the gum before injecting a local anesthetic. Within a few minutes, the area will feel numb, ensuring you won’t feel any pain during the process.

Step 3: Removing the Decay

Once the area is numb, your dentist uses a drill (or sometimes a laser) to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This might sound intense, but you shouldn’t feel anything more than a slight vibration or pressure. The goal here is to clear out all the decay to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Step 4: Cleaning the Tooth

After all the decay is removed, your dentist will clean the area to prepare it for the filling. This step ensures that no bacteria or debris is left behind that could cause problems down the line.

Step 5: Filling the Tooth

With the tooth cleaned and prepped, it’s time to fill the hole where the decay was. Fillings can be made from various materials, including composite resin (which matches the color of your teeth), amalgam (a durable silver-colored material), gold, or porcelain. Your dentist will fill the cavity and shape the filling to match the contours of your tooth, restoring its original shape and function.

Step 6: Polishing and Adjustments

Finally, your dentist will polish the filling and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural. This might involve you biting down on a piece of colored paper to mark where your teeth meet, allowing the dentist to fine-tune the filling’s shape.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While fixing cavities is relatively straightforward, preventing them is even better. Good oral hygiene practices—like brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups—can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities. If symptoms arise please see our instructional videos on what to expect after you receive your dental filling and we can help resolve them in as little as one appointment!

The Takeaway

Fixing a cavity is a routine and crucial process for maintaining oral health and preventing further issues. If your dentist says you have a cavity, there’s no need to worry. With modern dental techniques, getting a cavity filled is a quick and comfortable  experience. And remember, the best way to deal with cavities is to prevent them from happening in the first place, so keep up with your oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

We Can Help

If you believe that you have a cavity and or hole in your tooth, call us immediately! DO NOT WAIT until there are symptoms of pain, because often it may be too late to fix with just a simple filling once pain starts. We ask our patients to come in even if they feel the slightest sensitivity to hot and cold or sweets that have occurred more than two or three times in the same area. Contact Fundamental Dental today to schedule a consultation at (972) 360-0096 or contact us at info@fundental.com. We are also happy to help you navigate your insurance benefits so you can keep your smile a beautiful, healthy and strong!

The post A Simple Guide to How Dentists Fix Cavities first appeared on Fundamental Dental.

The Short Answer: Not Really

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Unfortunately, teeth don’t have the same regenerative powers as other parts of your body. Once enamel, the outer layer of your teeth is damaged, it can’t regenerate or “heal” in the same way your skin can. Why? Enamel is made of minerals, not living cells, so it doesn’t grow back.

Why Can’t Teeth Heal Themselves?

Teeth are incredibly strong and are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. However, they’re not invincible. Enamel, despite being the hardest substance in the human body, can be worn down by decay, acid or physical injury. Underneath the enamel is dentin, a softer, sensitive layer that’s even more susceptible to damage. Since neither of these layers can regenerate, once they’re compromised, the damage is permanent without professional intervention.

Prevention Is Key

Since teeth can’t fix themselves, the best strategy is prevention. This means maintaining a robust oral hygiene routine — brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can all help protect your enamel from wear and tear. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial, as dentists can spot and address potential issues before they become serious problems.

Managing Minor Damages

For small issues like minor cavities, advancements in dental care offer treatments that can help restore tooth structure and prevent further damage. Fillings, for example, can effectively “fill in” areas where decay has occurred, protecting the tooth from additional harm. But remember, this isn’t the tooth healing itself; it’s a repair made by your dentist.

What About Regenerative Dentistry?

Science is always advancing, and regenerative dentistry is a field that holds promise for the future. Researchers are exploring ways to stimulate teeth to repair themselves, such as using stem cells to regrow tooth tissue. While we’re not there yet, these developments offer hope that one day, dental self-repair might not be just a wishful thought.

The Takeaway

In the current state of dental science, teeth can’t fix themselves. Once enamel is damaged, the best course of action is to seek professional dental care to prevent further issues and maintain the health of your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help keep your smile healthy and reduce the need for repairs down the line.

So, while we might dream of a day when teeth can regenerate like a superhero, for now, we need to stick to our toothbrushes, floss, and regular dental visits to keep our smiles shining bright.

Contact Us Today!

Do you believe that you have issues with your enamel? Contact Fundamental Dental today to schedule a consultation at (972) 360-0096 or contact us today at info@fundental.com. Let us help you navigate your insurance benefits and find the best path to a beautiful, healthy smile! We are proud to offer quality dental care in Dallas, Texas. Our dedicated dentist and team are here to help your smile thrive!

The post Can Teeth Fix Themselves? Unveiling the Truth About Dental Self-Repair first appeared on Fundamental Dental.