4890 E Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89110 702.649.6859
Cavities can be caused by harmful bacteria (dental caries), acidic/dry mouth conditions, occlusal issues, or a combination of these. A cavity can look displeasing on your teeth and may even ruin the overall appearance of your smile. Cavities often represent a site of vulnerability and active infection on the tooth. Early detection and prevention are key because if left untreated, they can ultimately lead to pain and/or loss of the tooth. Because of this, cavities are usually removed and restored using fillings to ensure they do not grow deeper or wider.
Fillings are putty-like material applied to a cavity to fill them. This ensures the tooth is restored to its ideal contour and functionality while improving structural integrity. In earlier dental times, fillings were primarily made from metals, such as gold, silver, and amalgam. These materials do have some positive qualities, but they also have several drawbacks. These drawbacks have led to the development of more aesthetic tooth-colored fillings that can actually bond to the tooth. Due to these superior esthetic and bonding properties, we use composite fillings.
The dentist will visually and radiographically screen the mouth to check for cavities. If any decay is detected, the patient will be scheduled for a tooth filling. During this scheduled appointment, the decay will be removed from the tooth, leaving a void or “cavity.”
The tooth surface is then prepared with a primer and a bond material. Afterward, the void is filled with a composite shade that best matches the tooth. Once shaped accordingly, the filling will be hardened and polished.
To schedule a consultation and cleaning with Dr. Lewis, please call our office at (702) 649-6859.