Cavities are a common dental issue, but they can be particularly tricky when they occur between teeth. These interproximal cavities, as they’re known, are harder to spot and reach, making many people wonder, how does a dentist fill a cavity between teeth?
In this blog, Najmi dental will take you through the step-by-step process of how dentists treat cavities in these hard-to-reach spots, what materials are used, and how you can maintain healthy teeth after the procedure. By understanding the process, you’ll feel more at ease next time you visit the dentist for a filling.
Why Cavities Form Between Teeth
Cavities between teeth typically develop due to plaque buildup in areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing. Food particles and bacteria can easily get trapped between your teeth, and if not removed, they produce acids that erode the enamel. Without regular flossing and proper cleaning, these spaces become prime targets for decay.
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing interproximal cavities:
- Inadequate flossing or using incorrect flossing techniques
- Diets high in sugary or acidic foods
- Crowded or misaligned teeth, making it harder to clean between them
- Dry mouth, where less saliva is present to wash away food particles and bacteria
How Dentists Detect Cavities Between Teeth
Before any cavity can be filled, it must first be detected. Cavities between teeth aren’t always visible to the naked eye, especially in the early stages. Dentists use digital X-rays to locate these hidden cavities. X-rays show the decay clearly, allowing the dentist to assess the depth of the cavity and whether it has reached the inner layers of the tooth, such as the dentin or pulp.
In some cases, dentists may also use dental explorers, which are small, hooked instruments that help detect soft spots on your teeth, indicating areas where decay is present.
Step-by-Step Process of Filling a Cavity Between Teeth
Once the dentist has diagnosed a cavity between your teeth, the next step is to fill it. While the thought of getting a filling can make some patients nervous, modern techniques and materials make the process quick, effective, and painless. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Numbing the Area
The first step is to ensure that you’re comfortable. Your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the gums and surrounding area. This prevents any pain during the procedure. You may feel a slight pinch when the anaesthetic is applied, but the discomfort should be minimal.
2. Isolating the Affected Tooth
Once the area is numb, your dentist may use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth being treated. A rubber dam is a small sheet that covers your teeth and keeps the area dry, which is important for ensuring a strong bond between the tooth and the filling material.
3. Removing the Decay
Using a dental drill or a laser, the dentist will carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth. For cavities between teeth, this often requires removing part of the surrounding tooth structure to gain access to the cavity. Don’t worry—dentists are skilled at preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible while ensuring that all decay is fully removed.
During this step, your dentist will regularly check to make sure all the decayed tissue has been removed and that the cavity is clean and ready for the filling.
4. Preparing the Cavity for Filling
After the decay is removed, your dentist will clean and prepare the cavity. This step is crucial for ensuring that the filling adheres properly to the tooth and lasts for a long time. For cavities between teeth, the dentist may place a thin metal band around the tooth to help shape the filling and prevent it from spreading beyond the tooth’s natural shape.
5. Filling the Cavity
Now, it’s time to fill the cavity. For cavities between teeth, dentists typically use composite resin fillings. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material that bonds to your tooth, restoring its shape and function.
Here’s how the filling is applied:
- The dentist will layer the resin into the cavity, using a special light to harden each layer.
- Because the composite material bonds directly to the tooth, it strengthens the overall structure and provides a natural look, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
In some cases, amalgam fillings (silver fillings) might be used, but composite resin is the more common choice for cavities between teeth because of its aesthetic appeal.
6. Shaping and Polishing
Once the filling is in place, the dentist will shape and smooth the filling material, ensuring that it fits perfectly with your natural bite. They’ll also polish the filling to match the sheen of your natural teeth, making it nearly impossible to tell that you’ve had dental work done.
7. Final Bite Check
The last step is to check your bite. Your dentist will ask you to bite down on a small piece of paper that leaves coloured marks on the filling. This helps them see if the filling is too high or uneven. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure that your bite feels normal and that you can chew comfortably.
What to Expect After the Filling
After your cavity is filled, your mouth may remain numb for a few hours. Avoid eating or drinking hot liquids until the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally biting your tongue or burning your mouth.
In the days following the procedure, you might experience slight sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure, especially when the cavity was located between teeth. This is normal and should subside within a week or so. If the sensitivity or discomfort persists, it’s a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist to ensure everything is healing properly.
Caring for Your Filling and Preventing Future Cavities
Once you’ve had a cavity filled, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future decay, especially between your teeth. Here are a few tips to keep your fillings in good condition and avoid further cavities:
1. Floss Daily
Since cavities between teeth often form due to a lack of flossing, it’s crucial to floss every day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, preventing bacteria from causing further decay.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong and free from plaque. Be sure to angle your brush at 45 degrees to reach all areas of your teeth, including the sides.
3. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups ensures that any new cavities are detected early before they require extensive treatment. Professional cleanings also help remove tartar build-up that can’t be removed by brushing alone.
4. Limit Sugary Foods
Sugary and starchy foods provide fuel for the bacteria that cause cavities. Reducing your intake of sweets and fizzy drinks will help protect your teeth and keep your fillings in top condition.
Conclusion
Filling a cavity between teeth is a precise procedure, but thanks to modern dental techniques, it’s a straightforward and pain-free process. By using composite fillings, dentists can restore your tooth’s function and appearance while maintaining a natural look. Proper care after the filling, including regular flossing and dental check-ups, will ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong. So, if you suspect you have a cavity between your teeth, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Najmi dental to preserve your smile and keep your teeth in the best possible condition!
