Cavity Fillings in Downtown Columbus
Compassion · Care · Comfort
Prioritizing oral health & restoring your beautiful smile
Tooth Filling in Columbus, OH
Tooth decay is among the most common dental concerns that affect people of all ages. While smoking, certain medications, and genetics can all lead to cavities, poor oral hygiene habits are usually to blame. Luckily, treating tooth decay is simple with composite dental fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are the best solution for restoring the appearance, health, and comfort of decayed teeth. Here’s what you should know about having a cavity filled at 4th Street Dental Studio before scheduling an appointment with Dr. Wood and his trusted team.
Overview of Tooth Fillings
Cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries, are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well.
Unfortunately, tooth decay will not go away on its own. In fact, it will only get worse and spread to other teeth if left to its own devices for an extended period of time. Having a cavity filled is necessary to stop the progression of the active decay and bacteria in the tooth before it gets to the nerve to prevent pulpal infection.
If left untreated, these bacteria can progress deeper into the tooth causing a larger cavity that could lead to the tooth fracturing and tooth pain. In some cases, it could progress to the point where the tooth would need root canal treatment, or it would have to be extracted.
Cavity Treatment Process
Here’s what you can expect during your cavity treatment at 4th Street Dental Studio:
- Dr. Wood will thoroughly numb the area around your infected tooth.
- Next, he will clean any decay from inside of the tooth and place a protective liner in the tooth (if necessary).
- He will then fill the empty hole where the cavity was with a tooth-colored composite filling.
- He will help the filling harden quickly using an LED light.
- Then he will check your bite and adjust it until it feels normal.
Is Getting a Cavity Filled Painful?
While you may experience oral discomfort from the cavity itself, having a cavity filled shouldn’t hurt at all. Dr. Wood will make sure that your mouth is completely numb before filling your cavity. If you do feel any discomfort during your procedure, please let our dental team know.
How Long Does a Cavity Treatment Take?
The length of your restorative dental appointment will depend on how many teeth you are having filled. Typically, we block out an hour for a quadrant of four teeth.
Can I Drive Myself Home After Having a Tooth Filling?
You can drive yourself home after having a tooth filled. The biggest concern is to not bite your lip or cheek due to the numbness.
Dental Filling Cost
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of having a tooth filling. Please contact our dental office for more information on what your dental insurance covers.
4th Street Dental Studio: The Best Choice for Tooth Fillings
At 4th Street Dental Studio, we are committed to helping you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a routine dental exam, or you suspect that you have a cavity, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Treating dental concerns sooner than later can prevent them from becoming more complicated, painful, and expensive. By practicing good oral health habits every day and visiting Dr. Wood twice a year for check-ups, you can keep your teeth strong and cavity-free. Contact us today to schedule your next cavity treatment appointment. Our dental team looks forward to giving you a reason to smile bright!