From a soft spot to a sealed tooth
A cavity is a hole that forms where acid from bacteria has softened the enamel over time. Early on there may be nothing to feel. Later a tooth can react to sweet, hot or cold food, or food can start catching in the same place.
A filling replaces the damaged part. The dentist numbs the area, removes the softened material, shapes the space and fills it. Most fillings take one visit, and you can usually eat once the numbness has worn off.
What this page covers
- Early signs, and why many cavities are found before they hurt
- Tooth-coloured composite fillings and silver amalgam fillings
- What numbing involves, and how long it tends to last
- Inlays and onlays, for damage too large for a simple filling
- Why an old filling may need replacing
- Habits at home that slow decay down
Choosing a material
The material depends on where the tooth is, how big the filling is and what your plan covers. Tooth-coloured fillings blend in; amalgam has a long record on back teeth. Ask what each option means for that tooth and how long the dentist expects it to last.
A question worth asking: “Which material are you suggesting for this tooth, and why that one?”
Common questions
A very early soft spot in the enamel can sometimes harden again with fluoride and good care. Once there is a hole, it does not close up. Ask your dentist which one you have.
The bite can feel slightly high or different for a short while. If it still feels wrong after a few days, call the practice; a small adjustment is common.
Some sensitivity for a short time is common. Pain that grows, or lasts beyond a week or two, is worth a call to the practice.
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis or advice about your own teeth; ask a licensed dentist who has examined you.