Fillings

Cavity in a molar or cavity in a tooth? This is the cause

Cavities, also known as caries, are a form of tooth decay and are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar and produce acid. The bacteria that cause cavities can be transferred from person to person by kissing or by sharing drinks and utensils. If you have many cavities, it is likely because you have not regularly brushed your teeth or have not flossed frequently enough. Cavities are also caused by factors such as consuming too much candy, not drinking enough water, and not brushing your teeth after eating sugary food. To prevent cavities, it is essential to take the following preventive measures every day:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste;
• Floss, use interdental brushes, and toothpicks daily;
• Eat healthy foods;
• Limit sugar intake.

Tooth decay and the treatments to remedy it

For most cavities, a filling alone is sufficient. A filling restores the tooth or molar and ensures that it will not decay further. Almost always, the pain disappears once the cavity is filled. When there is a throbbing and nagging pain, there is a good chance it involves an inflammation at the root, which can manifest as a dental abscess. A dental abscess is a painful and potentially serious dental condition. For this, a root canal treatment is applied.

Root canal treatments are an alternative to extractions and are preferred when there's a desire to retain the tooth/molar. The treatment is applied when the tooth is severely infected or when there's a risk of the infection spreading. Root canals are also required when there's an issue with the pulp chamber where the root canals converge or a nerve. The cost of a root canal can be high, but it's more than worth it if you want to keep your natural teeth and molars intact. Preventing tooth decay can be achieved by brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, cleaning at least once a day with floss, a toothpick or interdental brush, and visiting our dental practice every six months. 

Cost of filling a cavity

The price for filling cavities is determined by the KNMT. Since this is established annually and nationally, as a patient, you immediately know what to expect. These costs are often covered by your insurance. A cavity can be discovered by regular check-ups every six months. Curious about the current cost of filling a cavity? Feel free to inquire.