Cavity Treatment in NW Calgary

Dental decays are holes in your teeth that can grow progressively bigger and lead to tooth cavities if not dealt with in time. Common causes of dental decay include bacteria in the mouth, poor oral hygiene, and eating excessive amounts of sugar without taking proper care of your teeth. If these cavities are left untreated and allowed to grow, they can affect the nerves, cause immense pain, and lead to tooth infection. It is necessary to get your cavities treated by a dentist.

At Northland Village Dental Centre in NW Calgary, our qualified team is dedicated to helping our patients to the best of our abilities. We provide cavity treatment so that you can get pain relief and smile proudly.

Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

Being aware of the following signs and symptoms can help you identify potential cavities early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Northland Village Dental Centre for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Tooth sensitivity: Experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Visible holes or pits: Noticeable pits or holes in the teeth, especially in the molars or premolars.
Toothache: Persistent or intermittent pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area.
Bad breath: Persistent bad breath despite oral hygiene efforts caused by decay and bacteria.
Visible stains or discoloration: Dark spots or stains on the surface of the teeth, indicating decay.
Pressure sensitivity: Discomfort or pain when biting or applying pressure on the affected tooth.
Painful chewing: Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing, especially on the affected side.

Causes of Cavity

Dental cavities are a common dental problem that affects people of all ages. If left untreated, cavities can cause toothaches, sensitivity, and eventually tooth loss. The most common causes of cavities are:

Dietary factors: Consumption of sugary, starchy foods and acidic beverages creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth and cavity formation.

Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque buildup, facilitating bacterial action and cavity development.

Lifestyle habits: Factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can compromise oral health, increasing cavity risk.

Lack of fluoride: Insufficient fluoride intake can weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to weaker enamel, heightening their susceptibility to cavities.

Age: Aging increases the risk of cavities due to changes in saliva production and composition, and potential medication side effects.

What is Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a restorative dental procedure that involves removing decayed tooth material and filling the remaining cavity with a material to restore the tooth's function and shape. Dental fillings can also be used to repair cracked or broken teeth, and they can help prevent further decay and damage to the tooth.

The filling material can be made from various materials, such as amalgam (a mixture of metals), composite resin (a tooth-coloured material), gold, or ceramics. Your dentist will help you choose the best filling material for your specific needs, considering factors such as the size and location of the cavity, your budget, and your aesthetic preferences.

Overall, dental fillings are a common and effective treatment for restoring teeth damaged by decay or trauma. If you suspect you may have a cavity or other dental issue, reach out to Northland Village Dental Centre as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health.

Dental Filling Procedure

Anesthesia: The dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area if needed.
Decay removal: Decay is carefully removed from the tooth using specialized instruments, ensuring all affected areas are cleared.
Cleaning: The dentist thoroughly cleans the cavity to eliminate any remaining debris or bacteria, preventing further decay.
Filling material selection: Depending on factors like cavity size, location, and patient preference, the dentist selects the appropriate filling material (e.g., amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, gold).
Filling placement: The chosen filling material is applied to the cleaned cavity, restoring the tooth's structure and function.
Shaping and polishing: The dentist shapes and polishes the filling to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Final assessment: The filled tooth is examined to ensure proper fit, alignment, and occlusion for optimal comfort and functionality.

A dental filling can last several years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. If you suffer from cavities, call Northland Village Dental Centre in NW Calgary today!

Types of Dental Fillings

A safe and effective way of treating cavities is to get fillings. There are several types of fillings available after those decay removed teeth that are made from different materials including:

Dental amalgam
These silver-coloured fillings are the cheapest option available in the market. They are made of a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, and tin.
Cast gold fillings
These are based on a model (cast) of your tooth. Since gold is more robust than other metals, this type of filling is very solid and durable. However, it is also more expensive.
Composite fillings
These are made of glass and quartz. The most distinguishing feature of this type of filling is that it matches your teeth' colour; thus, the fact that you have fillings can remain a secret. They are ideal for small-to-mid-size restorations.
Ceramic fillings
Ceramic fillings are also made to match the colour of your teeth. The advantage of these fillings is that any stain is less likely to be visible on them.
Glass ionomers:
These are a mix of acrylic and glass. They help protect your teeth from further damage like any other filling. However, they are not very durable.

Schedule an appointment with the dentists at Northland Village Dental Centre to treat your cavities with fillings. We will advise you on the best option for your situation.