A Filling Is Frequently Needed to Repair a Small Area of Tooth Decay

Cavities form when an inadequate oral hygiene routine allows the natural bacteria in your mouth to attack and compromise tooth enamel. This can be compounded with enamel erosion or poor attendance to your six-month dental checkup at Cloud & Hill Dental Care. If it is detected early, small areas of tooth decay can be repaired with a standard filling.

First, your dentist, Dr. John Cloud, will want to examine the tooth. This often includes taking a few X-rays. This will help him assess the extent of the decay and ensure that the internal structures of the tooth are still healthy and strong.

Your dentist will then explain your numbing options. Most people choose to have novocaine injected into their gums to numb the area.

Dr. John Cloud will then use a drill to carefully remove all of the decayed enamel, leaving behind a clean, healthy surface to securely cement the filling in place. The tooth’s appearance in your smile and its primary function in your mouth will directly influence the material the dentist recommends for your filling.

Standard filling materials include gold, amalgam, composite plastic or porcelain. Amalgam and composite materials can be directly applied to the cavity while gold and porcelain fillings require two appointments.

If you suspect a cavity has formed on one of your teeth, you should call Cloud & Hill Dental Care at 501-868-3800 to have it examined and treated with a dental filling in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our dentist provides fillings that match the natural color of your teeth so that you can restore your healthy, natural smile!