Tooth Filling in Cleveland

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental concerns. Cavities can still occur even for those who practice good dental habits at home. The good news is that treatment for tooth decay is a quick, painless process thanks to composite fillings. Here's what you should know about restoring your smile with dental fillings before scheduling your next checkup with the friendly team at Ryba Dentistry.

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Overview of Tooth Fillings

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Composite restorations, commonly called "fillings," are the most frequently needed dental service. They are used to fill holes in your teeth formed by acids produced by bacteria. Bacteria produce the most acid byproducts when exposed to sugars in the foods you eat. Once a hole in the enamel forms from these bacteria, your body cannot repair it.  For this reason, dental composite restorations are necessary to fill the cavities and prevent further tooth damage. 

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Cavities will not go away on their own; they will only get bigger if left untreated. It's also possible for larger cavities to invade the nerve chamber, necessitating root canal treatment. Additionally, some teeth can break off when cavities get too large and may require extraction.

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Cavity Treatment Process

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Getting a cavity filled is simple. Composite restoration procedures involve numbing the tooth and its surrounding area, removing the affected soft tooth structure, then filling the hole with a long-lasting composite material. This treatment prevents food and bacteria from getting trapped in the area and causing additional damage. Composite fillings are strong, durable, and blend in with the natural color of your surrounding teeth, so no one will know that you've had a cavity filled. 

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Is Getting a Cavity Filled Painful?

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Cavity fillings shouldn't hurt at all. Dr. Ryba will provide a local anesthetic to numb the tooth with the cavity before treating it if indicated. In some cases, the cavities are so small that they can be painlessly filled even without an anesthetic.

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How Long Does Getting a Cavity Filled Take?

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The length of your tooth filling appointment will depend on the size and location of the cavity. Small cavities can be filled in as little as ten minutes; teeth with extensive decay may take up to an hour to excavate and fill.

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Can I Drive Myself Home After a Tooth Filling?

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It's entirely safe to drive yourself home after having a cavity filled. The only part of your body that will be numb is the tooth and soft tissue surrounding the tooth being treated.

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Dental Filling Cost

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Many dental insurance plans cover the cost of a dental filling. Please contact our office during business hours to learn more about what your

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Dental Fillings at Ryba Dentistry

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If you think you could have a cavity or you're overdue for a routine dental examination, don't wait to schedule your next appointment. Cavities are easy to treat when they first occur but can quickly progress and lead to more serious oral health complications if left untreated. At Ryba Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dental care to each of our patients. Our practice uses safe, effective, and long-lasting materials supported by the latest dental research. Give us a call today to schedule a checkup for everyone in your family. Dr. Ryba and his trusted dental team are eager to help you keep your smile cavity-free for years to come!