CAVITY FILLING
Cavities can develop without warning and affect both the health and appearance of your teeth, even with a daily brushing routine. At Dra. Luz Orozco - Dentist Bogotá, we offer a cavity filling treatment that not only removes the decay but also restores the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth. Our safe process aims to minimize discomfort, ensuring your smile is protected and preventing future complications. Discover how we can help you maintain a healthy, radiant mouth!
WHAT ARE CAVITIES?
Cavities are damage to the tooth structure caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque and exposure to acids that weaken the tooth. These bacteria feed on sugars found in food and drinks, producing acids that, over time, erode the enamel and create small cavities or holes in the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can progress into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain, infections, and even tooth loss. Cavity removal is essential to stop the damage and preserve the health and functionality of your teeth.
If not treated in time, cavities can progress deeply into the tooth, reaching the dental nerve.
SYMPTOMS OF CAVITIES AND WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST
Recognizing the symptoms of cavities early can help prevent complications. Here are some signs that you may have a cavity:
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Pain or sensitivity in a tooth when eating or drinking.
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Dark or whitish spots on the surface of the tooth.
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Persistent bad breath, even after brushing.
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Swelling in the gums or pain around a tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment to evaluate and treat the cavities before the situation worsens.
HOW TO REMOVE CAVITIES
Cavities cannot be removed at home ; it is essential to see a dentist for safe and effective treatment. At Dra. Luz Orozco - Dentist Bogotá , we specialize in professional cavity removal to protect and restore your teeth. Here’s the cavity removal procedure:
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Evaluation and Diagnosis: We perform a detailed inspection and, if necessary, use x-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
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Removal of Affected Tissue: Using high-precision tools, we remove only the tissue damaged by the cavities, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
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Tooth Restoration: We use high-quality composite resins that blend perfectly with the natural color of the tooth, restoring both its functionality and aesthetics. In some cases, if the tooth has very advanced damage, other treatments such as crowns and/or inlays may be required.
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Long-lasting results: Our approach focuses on providing the right treatment with long-lasting results, so you can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile.
Remember, if you have symptoms such as pain, sensitivity or notice any stains on your teeth, it is essential not to wait. Treating cavities in time prevents major complications and ensures long-lasting oral health.
Both children and adults can suffer from cavities, so it’s important to visit the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups.
BENEFITS OF TREATING CAVITIES EARLY
Treating cavities in their early stages is not only less invasive but also prevents more serious problems. Some of the benefits of removing cavities on time include:
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Preventing painful infections and abscesses that may require more complex treatments, such as root canals or extractions.
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Protecting the natural tooth and avoiding the need for larger restorations or even dental implants in the future.
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Improving the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and maintaining a healthy, harmonious smile.
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Avoiding intense pain and discomfort, as early treatment prevents the cavity from progressing and causing deeper damage.
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Saving on treatment costs: Treating a cavity early is significantly more affordable than addressing advanced complications, which may require additional and more expensive procedures, such as crowns, root canals, or dental prosthetics.
Thanks to current advancements, cavity removal treatment is much more conservative, protecting your natural teeth.
HOW TO PREVENT CAVITIES?
Preventing cavities is possible with good hygiene habits and regular care:
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Daily Brushing: Brush your teeth at least three times a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove bacterial plaque.
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Use of Dental Floss and Mouthwash: Complete your cleaning routine with dental floss and mouthwash to reach areas the toothbrush can’t.
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Limiting Sugars: Reduce the consumption of foods and drinks with refined sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria.
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Dental Visits: Go for dental check-ups every six months to detect and treat potential dental issues early.
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Preventive Care for Children: Teach children oral hygiene habits from an early age and take them for regular check-ups. Dental sealants on permanent molars are a recommended measure to prevent cavities in children.
Starting and maintaining these habits from a young age is essential to prevent cavities and ensure a healthy smile throughout life.
Refined sugars found in sweets are one of the main causes of cavities. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after consuming them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATING CAVITIES BEFORE TEETH WHITENING OR SMILE DESIGN
Before undergoing aesthetic treatments like teeth whitening or smile design, it’s crucial that your teeth are free of cavities and in optimal health.
For teeth whitening, the presence of cavities can cause intense sensitivity and uneven color areas, as the whitening agent does not work uniformly on damaged areas. Additionally, cavities create holes in the enamel, exposing the dentin and increasing the risk of pain and irritation when applying whitening agents. Ignoring cavity treatment before whitening can lead to temporary aesthetic effects and potential damage to the dental pulp, increasing the risk of infections and the need for more complex procedures in the future.
For smile design, it’s equally important to start with a healthy dental foundation. This treatment involves the structure and aesthetics of the teeth, and untreated cavities could compromise both the durability and final appearance. It is not possible to place restorations for smile design on teeth with cavities, as they could be affected, and may cause pain and persistent infections.
At Dra. Luz Orozco - Dentist Bogotá, we always recommend a complete evaluation and treatment of any cavities before beginning an aesthetic procedure. This not only ensures that the treatment is performed on a healthy tooth but also optimizes the results, providing a smile that is not only beautiful but also durable and with a lower risk of future complications.
Your smile is your best calling card – don’t neglect it!
HOW MUCH DOES A CAVITY FILLING COST?
The cost of a cavity filling depends on the size and extent of the tooth's damage, as well as the complexity of the procedure. At Dra. Luz Orozco - Dentist Bogotá, we offer competitive rates and professional service that ensures the best care. Consult with our team for a personalized estimate and learn how you can effectively protect your dental health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAVITY FILLING
Here are some of the most common questions about cavity filling:
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Is cavity filling treatment painful? Thanks to our modern techniques and local anesthesia, the procedure minimizes discomfort and the risk of pain.
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How long does it take to treat a cavity? Generally, the treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the depth of the cavity.
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Is it necessary to restore the tooth after removing the cavity? Yes, we use aesthetic and durable materials to restore the tooth and return its functionality.
Live without cavities, discomfort, or worries. Take care of your smile and enjoy it to the fullest.