A cavity is a small hole caused by tooth decay. If it is treated early with a filling, you avoid pain, a bigger treatment later and the risk of losing the tooth.
At Orchid Dental Wellness we use tooth-coloured composite fillings that bond to the tooth and blend with your natural shade, so the repair is hardly visible.
When you might need a filling
- A visible dark spot or hole in a tooth
- Food getting stuck in the same place again and again
- Short, sharp sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food
- A chipped or rough edge on a tooth
- An old filling that is cracked, leaking or loose
What happens during a filling
- The tooth is examined and, if needed, an X-ray shows how deep the decay is.
- The area is numbed if the cavity is deep.
- Decay is gently removed and the tooth is cleaned.
- Tooth-coloured filling material is placed in layers and hardened with a curing light.
- The filling is shaped and polished so your bite feels natural.
Aftercare
You can usually eat normally once the numbness wears off. Slight sensitivity for a few days is common. Brushing twice a day and regular check-ups help the filling last.
Dental Fillings: frequently asked questions
How long does a filling take?
Most single fillings are completed in one short visit.
Are tooth-coloured fillings strong?
Modern composite fillings are strong enough for everyday chewing on most teeth. For very large cavities, a crown may be a better long-term option.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Very early enamel weakening can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, but once a hole has formed it needs a filling to stop the decay from spreading.