Poor oral hygiene habits invite stray food particles and the bacteria living in your mouth to exploit a textured or weakened area of tooth enamel. If a cavity is detected when it’s still small, Dr. Jay Stucky can often repair it with a composite or amalgam dental filling in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Your dentist will start by examining and X-raying the tooth to make sure the decay has not penetrated the interior of the tooth. Then, he will discuss your numbing options. Most people choose to have Novocain injected into the surrounding gums. This will fully numb the area to help you feel comfortable throughout the treatment.
The material your dentist recommends for the filling will be based on the location of the cavity, the primary function of the tooth and the prevalence of your tooth in your smile.
Composite fillings are made from a special dental-grade plastic. They can be perfectly shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel. An amalgam filling is essentially a blend of dental-grade metals. They are dark in color, making them better for repairing a cavity that isn’t visible in your smile.
Once the filling has been applied, we will use a special ultraviolet light to cure and harden the filling in place. With good oral hygiene habits, your new filling should repair the previously compromised tooth for a long time to come.
If you suspect a cavity has formed on one of your teeth, you should call 620-663-9119 to have it treated at Hutchinson Family Dental.