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Fillings

Brite Smiles Dental Care

General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Apple Valley, MN

More than 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity, and 1 in 4 has untreated cavities, according to federal health statistics. Cavities are preventable, and Dennis Simmons, DDS, and his associates, at Brite Smiles Dental Care in Apple Valley, Minnesota, want to educate you on the problems associated with cavities. To get a cavity treated, or learn how to prevent one in the first place, call the office or schedule your appointment online.

Fillings Q & A

What are cavities?

Sugars and starches from the food and drinks you consume can get stuck on your teeth, which causes a sticky plaque to form and create decay called cavities. The acids in the plaque attack your tooth’s enamel, opening tiny holes. 

If you’re unsure whether you have a cavity, pay attention to the following symptoms: 

  • Toothaches
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when you chew
  • Holes in your tooth
  • Brown or black stains on your tooth

It’s important to watch out for any of these symptoms because if your cavity grows, it can affect deeper layers of your tooth, which can lead to extensive damage or infection, tooth loss or jaw bone loss or the need for a root canal.

How can I prevent cavities?

While cavities are one of the most common health problems worldwide, there are ways to reduce your chances of having one. These include: 

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
  • Flossing and using mouthwash at least once a day
  • Limiting the amount of acidic and sugary drinks and food

Because cavities don’t always show outward symptoms, it’s important you visit Brite Smiles Dental Care a minimum of twice a year for dental checkups and teeth cleanings. They provide Spectra cavity detection, which specializes in the early detection of cavities.

How do dentists treat cavities? 

Brite Smiles Dental Care provides long-lasting, safe, and reliable tooth-colored fillings to preserve your tooth’s structure after Dr. Simmons or Dr. Zuidema removes the decayed material. Gone are the days of the black mercury amalgam fillings.  

To determine whether you need a filling, your dentist conducts a dental examination and looks for cavities. If your dentist can’t see any visible signs of one and suspects one, they can take X-rays to look for tooth decay. 

If your dentist finds that you need a tooth filling, they take out the decay in your tooth and replace it with a tooth-colored filling. Lastly, they use a special curing light to harden the filling material. 

The fillings are strong and resistant to wear, so they tend to last 5-10 years or longer.

At Brite Smiles Dental Care, we use Spectra®, a non-invasive cavities detection tool, as well as a laser for certain cavities treatment. To learn more about how to prevent cavities, call us or book your appointment online today.