Dental Fillings in Winter Haven, FL
Cavities form over months and sometimes years – they do not form overnight. It takes a long time before they advance to a point where they hurt. Over time, the acidic environment in the oral cavity leads to demineralization of the entire tooth, resulting in a cavity.
The good news is that early-stage tooth decay can be reversed if you visit a dentist in Winter Haven, FL, regularly. Please keep in mind that although they can be reversed in the initial stages, cavities do not disappear on their own. However, the dentist at Winter Haven Dental can correct them before they become worse by placing dental fillings in the gap.
Factors That Affect the Formation of Cavities
Cavities may vary from patient to patient and may be different in size and nature. Several factors affect the formation of dental cavities:
- Acid levels in the oral cavity: Higher acidity levels may increase the risk of cavity formation. Teeth are extremely strong, but if the same tooth is subjected to repeated acid attacks, it will start to show signs of decay.
- Location of the tooth: In general, molars and premolars are more susceptible to acid attacks due to the nooks, pits, and grooves that trap food particles. Our dentist near you suggests that enamel tends to be thinner near the gum line than the top of the tooth. Cavities are more likely to form near the base of the tooth.
- Genetics: If you have a family history of thin tooth enamel, you may be more likely to develop cavities.
Treatment for Dental Cavities
We can treat cavities in several ways by placing inlays and onlays or dental fillings in Winter Haven, FL. Our experienced team will assess your oral cavity for tooth alignment, spacing, quality of enamel, and other factors before determining the best solution for your needs. Please feel free to call Winter Haven Dental for details regarding suitable dental fillings near you.
FAQ's
Dental fillings repair cavities by removing decayed tooth structure and sealing the space with a durable material. You need one when decay, wear, or minor fractures create a defect that could spread or trap bacteria. Prompt treatment restores strength, stops sensitivity, and prevents more serious damage that might require crowns or root canal therapy.
Composite resin matches tooth color and bonds well; amalgam is strong for heavy-bite areas; glass ionomer releases fluoride for high-risk spots; porcelain and gold are durable lab options. Selection depends on size, location, bite forces, and the extent of tooth wear. Moisture control, esthetics, cost, long-term maintenance, and your caries risk also matter.
We numb the area, remove decay, clean and shape the cavity, and isolate the tooth for best bonding. Composite is placed in careful layers and light-cured, then contoured and polished to a smooth surface. We check your bite, refine contacts, give aftercare instructions, and schedule follow-up if needed to protect enamel and gums.
Local anesthesia prevents sharp pain; you’ll mainly feel vibration and pressure during drilling and shaping. Mild post-procedure sensitivity to cold or chewing is common and usually resolves within days as tissues settle. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, avoid hard foods briefly, and maintain gentle hygiene while the tooth adapts and the bite is fine-tuned.
Longevity depends on material, cavity size, location, and habits like grinding or chewing ice, which stress margins. Composite commonly lasts many years with meticulous hygiene, fluoride exposure, and consistent professional maintenance. Extend life by using a nightguard if you clench, limiting sugary snacks, fixing small chips early, and keeping regular checkups for polishing and evaluation.
Modern research indicates amalgam is stable once set, and major dental organizations consider it a safe, durable option for many situations. It contains mercury bound within an alloy matrix, not free elemental mercury. If you prefer tooth-colored choices, we can select alternatives that balance durability, esthetics, moisture conditions, and long-term maintenance needs.
Brush morning and night with fluoride toothpaste, clean the margins gently with floss, and skip any hard or sticky foods for the first day. Expect mild, temporary sensitivity that usually fades as the nerve calms. For customized recommendations and dental fillings in Winter Haven, FL, Winter Haven Dental will review technique, diet, risk factors, and follow-up.
