Cavities and Fillings

Understanding Tooth Decay

Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns, and they can develop when plaque bacteria produce acids that wear down enamel. Over time, this leads to small holes in the tooth, commonly known as cavities.

Sugary foods, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth are some of the biggest risk factors for tooth decay. The best way to protect your smile is to brush twice daily with enamel-strengthening toothpaste, floss every day, and visit Monterey Peninsula Dental Group for routine checkups and cleanings.

Even with great oral care, cavities can still form. That’s where dental fillings come in! Treating cavities early stops decay from spreading and helps keep your tooth strong.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are a simple, effective way to restore teeth affected by cavities or minor damage, like chips and surface cracks. Made from durable, tooth-colored materials, fillings rebuild and strengthen teeth while maintaining their natural appearance.

How Do You Know If You Need a Dental Filling?

Cavities don’t always hurt, which is why early detection is key. Here are some signs that may indicate a cavity:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic, or sugary foods.
• White spots, dark patches, or small holes on a tooth.
• Pain when chewing or biting.
• Food frequently getting stuck in a specific area.
• Floss catching or breaking in the same spot.
• A cracked or chipped filling.
• Persistent discomfort, aching, or sharp pain.

Regular dental visits allow us to catch cavities before they become painful or require more extensive treatment.

What to Expect During a Dental Filling

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, getting a filling is a quick and comfortable process:

1. Exam & X-Rays – We’ll assess your tooth and determine if a filling is necessary. Often, we detect cavities during routine visits before they cause symptoms.
2. Numbing the Area – Your comfort is our priority. We’ll carefully numb the tooth to ensure a painless experience.
3. Removing Decay – We’ll gently clean out the cavity and remove any damaged enamel to stop the decay.
4. Placing the Filling – Using durable, tooth-colored material, we’ll restore the tooth’s structure and strength.
5. Final Adjustments – We’ll polish the filling and check your bite for a natural, comfortable fit.

Most fillings take under an hour, and you can return to your normal routine the same day. If a cavity is deep, we may apply a protective base layer to safeguard the tooth’s nerve. For larger cavities, we’ll discuss the best restorative options.

Does It Hurt to Get a Tooth Filling?

Fillings actually prevent pain by stopping decay before it worsens. We take every step to ensure your comfort, and if you feel anything during the procedure, just let us know! A little sensitivity is normal for a day or two afterward, but if it persists, give us a call.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

With proper care, dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Their longevity depends on factors like:

• Diet and eating habits.
• Brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene routine.
• Teeth grinding or clenching.
• Regular dental visits.

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we use high-quality materials to ensure strong, long-lasting invisible fillings in Monterey.

Protect Your Smile with Invisible Fillings in Monterey!

Cavities don’t go away on their own—early treatment prevents bigger dental problems, including infections and tooth loss. The longer a cavity is left untreated, the more complex and costly the repair becomes.

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we offer high-quality, comfortable fillings in Monterey to keep your smile strong and healthy. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!