Catching cavities early and treating them promptly prevents minor problems from turning into major headaches that require more extensive work. Regular checkups help Dr. Sorensen spot decay before it progresses too far, giving you the best outcomes with the least invasive treatment.
Understanding Why You Need a Filling
Tooth decay starts when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. This process creates small holes or weak spots that grow larger over time if left untreated. You might notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks, or you might feel a sharp pain when biting down on the affected tooth.
Sometimes cavities don’t cause any symptoms at all until they’ve gotten pretty advanced, which is exactly why those regular dental visits matter so much. Dr. Sorensen uses digital X-rays to detect decay between teeth or under the surface where it’s not visible during a visual examination. Catching problems at this stage means smaller fillings and better preservation of your natural tooth structure.
Old fillings eventually wear out too. Metal fillings expand and contract with temperature changes, which can lead to cracks in your tooth over time. When these older restorations fail, replacing them protects your tooth from further damage and decay.
Types of Filling Materials Available
Composite Resin Fillings
These tooth-colored fillings have become the standard choice for most situations. The composite material bonds directly to your tooth structure, which actually strengthens the tooth rather than just filling a hole. Dr. Sorensen matches the shade to your natural teeth so precisely that even you’ll have trouble spotting the restoration once it’s complete.
Composite fillings work beautifully for front teeth where appearance matters most, but they’re strong enough for back teeth too. The material sets quickly under a special curing light, and you can eat normally as soon as the numbness wears off.
Ceramic Fillings
For larger restorations or when maximum durability is needed, ceramic fillings offer exceptional strength and longevity. The CEREC technology at Bluewater Dental creates these restorations right in the office using high-quality dental ceramic. They resist staining better than any other material and can last 15 years or more with proper care.
Ceramic fillings cost more than composite, but many patients consider them worth the investment for their durability and natural appearance. Dr. Sorensen helps you weigh the options based on the location and size of your cavity, your budget, and your long-term dental goals.
The Filling Procedure Explained
Getting dental fillings in Nocatee at Bluewater Dental starts with numbing the area completely so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. The Infinity Sedation Dentistry options mean you can also add complimentary nitrous oxide if you feel anxious about dental work. Many patients find this helps them relax completely while Dr. Sorensen works.
Once you’re comfortable, he removes all the decayed material from your tooth using precise techniques that preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. The laser dentistry equipment available can sometimes remove decay with minimal drilling, which means less vibration and noise during your treatment.
After cleaning out the cavity thoroughly, Dr. Sorensen prepares the space for the filling material. With composite fillings, he applies the resin in layers, hardening each one with a curing light before adding the next. This layering technique creates a strong bond and allows him to sculpt the filling to match your tooth’s original shape perfectly.
The final step involves adjusting your bite to make sure the filling doesn’t interfere with how your teeth come together. He’ll have you bite down on special paper that marks any high spots, then polish those areas until everything feels completely natural. The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Caring for Your Fillings
Modern dental fillings last for many years when you take care of them properly. Here’s what you need to know:
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent new cavities from forming around your fillings
- Avoid chewing ice or hard candy that could crack or dislodge a filling
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bite non-food items
- Visit Bluewater Dental every six months so Dr. Sorensen can check your fillings and catch any wear before it becomes a problem
- Tell the team right away if a filling feels rough, loose, or if you experience sensitivity that doesn’t go away
Composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years, while ceramic restorations often exceed 15 years. The lifespan depends partly on the filling’s location, your oral hygiene habits, and factors like teeth grinding that put extra stress on your dental work.
Preventing Future Cavities
While fillings fix existing decay, prevention keeps you from needing more of them down the road. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks reduces the fuel that bacteria use to create cavity-causing acids. Drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals, helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth less acidic.
Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, and Dr. Sorensen can apply professional fluoride treatments during your visits for extra protection. Dental sealants provide another layer of defense for back teeth with deep grooves where cavities often start.
Don’t wait until a small cavity becomes a big problem. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Sorensen at Bluewater Dental and get comfortable, natural-looking dental fillings in Nocatee that restore your oral health and keep you smiling confidently.