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Preventive Care
Common restorative and cavity-prevention treatments for children, adults, and seniors that help preserve your natural teeth.
A cavity forms when the bacteria naturally present in the mouth produce acids that slowly dissolve the hard outer enamel of a tooth. If left untreated, the decay progresses deeper toward the inner dentin and eventually the pulp, making treatment more complex. A filling stops this process at whatever stage it is caught — which is one of the reasons routine dental exams matter. Many small cavities cause no pain at all and can only be detected with X-rays or a careful clinical exam.
Getting a filling involves a few straightforward steps. First, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic so you remain comfortable. The dentist removes the decayed tissue and any weakened enamel around it, then cleans and dries the cavity. A bonding agent is applied to help the filling material adhere to the tooth wall, and the filling is placed and shaped to match the contours of the original tooth. A curing light hardens the material. The dentist then checks your bite and makes fine adjustments so the filled tooth contacts neighboring and opposing teeth correctly.
The most commonly placed filling material today is tooth-colored composite resin. Composite bonds chemically and mechanically to the tooth, which means less natural tooth structure needs to be removed compared with older silver amalgam fillings. The shade is matched to your natural teeth so the restoration blends in. Composite is suitable for most small to moderately sized cavities. For very large cavities where more tooth structure has been lost, a dentist may recommend a porcelain inlay, onlay, or crown to provide more durable long-term support.
Dental sealants are a closely related preventive treatment, primarily used for children and teenagers but also appropriate for some adults. The deep pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth are difficult to clean thoroughly and are the most common site for cavities in younger patients. A sealant is a thin protective coating painted into those grooves and hardened with a light. It creates a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean and acts as a physical barrier against bacteria. Sealants require no anesthesia and are one of the most cost-effective preventive treatments in dentistry.
Fluoride treatments are another preventive option. Professional fluoride application after a cleaning strengthens enamel and can even partially reverse the very earliest stages of decay before they progress to cavities requiring fillings. Fluoride is especially useful for patients at higher-than-average risk of cavities, including those with dry mouth, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and patients who drink mostly bottled water without fluoride.
After getting a filling, mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a few days as the tooth adjusts. Avoid very hot or cold food and drink during that period, and let the office know if sensitivity persists beyond a week or if the bite feels off, which can usually be corrected with a quick adjustment visit. Good daily hygiene — brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once — remains the most effective defense against future decay.
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Preventive Care
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings to maintain oral health, catch issues early, and build a clear treatment plan.
Restorative Care
Dental crowns, bridges, and restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth and restore function and appearance.
Endodontic Care
Modern root canal treatment to relieve tooth pain, treat infection, and save natural teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
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