Cavities are, unfortunately, a common dental issue. In fact, the majority of adults will have had at least one cavity by the time they reach adulthood. The good news is that cavities are fairly easy to treat if they are caught early. At Kensington Dental Clinic, one of the most popular procedures we perform is dental fillings. If you believe you have become affected with a cavity, visit us at our dentistry near you in Edmonton, Alberta to have it treated.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are a form of decay, and they form when bacteria have accumulated on the tooth surfaces. These bacteria produce harmful acids that can wear away at the tooth enamel and eventually at the tooth itself. When this happens, a hole can form, which is called a cavity. If it is not treated promptly, the decay can worsen, going further into the tooth. To avoid this situation, it’s recommended that you have cavities treated as soon as they are detected. Your dentist at Kensington Dental Clinic will usually find them during a routine exam and may be able to treat it in the same appointment.

What is the Procedure for Dental Fillings?

Generally, you can expect to have the procedure completed in one visit. If there are multiple cavities, additional appointments may be needed. To begin the procedure, your dentist will numb the area being worked on using a local anesthetic. Using a drill or laser, he or she will then remove the decayed area from the tooth. After cleaning the tooth of bacteria and debris, the filling material will be placed onto the site. Fillings can be made of several different materials. The most popular is probably a composite resin because it can be colored to match the surrounding teeth, creating a natural-looking restoration. The material will be applied in layers to strengthen it, with each layer being hardened using a special light. Once all the layers have been placed, your dentist will shape it and polish the tooth to complete the procedure. If you have been affected by a cavity, visit us at Kensington Dental Clinic to have the health of your tooth restored and to prevent any further problems.