Cavities love to hide in the hard-to-reach corners of your mouth, especially on those hardworking back teeth. By the time you feel something’s off, a back tooth cavity filling is already in your future. So, what does this process look like? Why is it important not to wait? Here’s how your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark helps protect your smile from further trouble.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a common treatment done by restorative dentists to fix cavities and smaller chips in the teeth. They are done to restore your smile to full function and protect it from further decay, as well as improve the aesthetic side of things.
When Do You Need a Back Tooth Cavity Filling?
At our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, fillings are one of the most common restorative treatments. In fact, more than 90% of adults in the US have at least one, so if you need them done, you’re definitely not the only one.
Fillings can be done on any tooth, in any location, but more often than not, the back teeth are the ones causing trouble. Why? Because they’re tougher to reach, and therefore, easier to neglect during your usual oral hygiene routine. You might need this restorative treatment if there’s sensitivity, visible holes, or dark spots on the tooth.
However, when it comes to the back of your mouth, spotting a cavity early is pretty difficult. More often than not, you start noticing it only when it becomes hard to ignore. To make sure that doesn’t happen, visit your Charlotte, NC, dentist regularly for routine dental cleanings and exams. They will be able to catch any issues early, helping you get your smile back on track promptly.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?
Over the years, general dentists have gotten pretty creative when it comes to the materials used for fillings, each with their own set of pros and cons. Depending on what your smile needs, your dentist in Charlotte, NC, will find the best solution to keep your teeth healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common filling types:
- Composite resin – tooth-colored so it blends seamlessly with your smile,
- Amalgam – super strong and long-lasting, especially for the back teeth,
- Gold – not as common today, but sometimes still chosen for its longevity,
- Porcelain – stain-resistant and durable, but comes at a higher cost,
- Glass ionomer – releases fluoride over time, which strengthens your smile.
What Happens Before and After a Back Tooth Cavity Filling?
Getting a dental filling done on a back tooth isn’t all that different from getting one in any other location. That being said, the back molars can be a bit more complicated to reach, which is why an experienced Charlotte dentist in SouthPark makes a real difference. The same goes for the more complex cases that will require root canal and back tooth cavity filling.
Before any filling goes in, your dentist has to prep the area. To keep you at your most comfortable, you will be getting local anesthesia to numb the spot. Then, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed. While this is traditionally done with a dental drill, Aspire Dental Wellness also brings a gentler, quieter experience with advanced laser dentistry for cavities. Keep in mind, this is only for some cavities.
Once all the decay is gone, the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris. Only then is the filling material carefully placed, shaped, and polished to fit just right. As for the recovery, you can head back to your usual routine right after. You might experience a little bit of sensitivity, but that fades pretty quickly.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Unfortunately, fillings aren’t forever. No matter how well they’re placed, they eventually wear down thanks to all the chewing and teeth grinding. If you’ve got a cracked back tooth cavity filling, or the filling has fallen out altogether, it can lead to new decay when left untreated. So, don’t wait too long to call your Charlotte, NC, dentist.
How soon that happens really depends on the type of material used, the location, and how well you care for your teeth. Keep in mind that back tooth fillings can wear out faster, as most of the chewing is done at the back of your mouth. When it comes to the materials, here’s a quick look at how long each type typically holds up:
- Composite resin – 5 to 10 years,
- Amalgam – 10 to 15 years,
- Gold – 20 years or more,
- Porcelain – around 15 years,
- Glass ionomer – 5 to 10 years.
Let Aspire Dental Wellness Take a Look at What’s Happening Back There
A tiny cavity might not seem like a big deal until it turns into a thing that can no longer be ignored. Sometimes, more complex restorative treatments, such as dental crowns, are needed, but in most cases, fillings are more than enough to get your smile back on track.
Whichever dental treatment you might need, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, will find the right solution. With our holistic approach and strong commitment to stress-free dentistry, all of our treatments are as comfortable as they are effective. Don’t wait it out – get in touch with Aspire Dental Wellness today and experience a different level of care from our Charlotte, NC, dentist. Your teeth will thank you!
