You have a cavity. Perhaps you’ve been having pain or other symptoms. Or maybe it was noticed during your routine checkup. But however a cavity is discovered, prompt treatment is essential — both to relieve symptoms and prevent the cavity from progressing. An untreated cavity won’t go away. It will grow deeper and larger, potentially leading to infection and tooth loss.

At Davenport Dental Group, filling cavities is one of our most routine procedures. But that doesn’t mean we phone it in. We approach every case with our trademark care and attention to detail.

If you think you may have a cavity — or would like to schedule your next checkup — call Davenport Dental Group of Laredo, TX. You may reach our Junction Drive location at 956-242-6745 or our Winfield office at 956-517-2695.

Anyone Can Get a Cavity

Cavities, also known as caries, are extremely common. They can afflict people of all ages, even infants! A cavity is simply an area of decay in the tooth. Once this damage occurs, it is permanent and irreversible. As the carie worsens, it affects deeper layers of the teeth and develops into actual holes. The earlier a spot of decay is detected, the easier it will be to treat.

You’ve heard the recommendations to brush and floss thoroughly and regularly, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and to visit us every six months. All of those things help minimize the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. That bacteria produces acids, which are the culprits in damaging the tooth enamel and beginning the process of decay.

Early Decay May Not Exhibit Symptoms

If a cavity is forming in your mouth, you may not even realize it for weeks, or even months. That is why a schedule of regular dental checkups is so important, even if you feel absolutely fine. Through the skill of our dentists and with the help of high-tech equipment, we will be able to detect caries that you didn’t even know you had.

Once a cavity progresses, you may begin to notice symptoms. If you experience any of the following, call Davenport Dental Group for an appointment even if it’s been less than six months since your last visit.

  • General dull pain in your mouth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
  • Pain while biting down
  • Noticeable holes in your teeth
  • Spots of discoloration or staining on the surface of the tooth

We Detect Cavities Early On

At Davenport Dental Group, we will be able to detect cavities in their earliest stages, which allows for simpler and less invasive treatment options. We will do this with a thorough visual examination, during which we look for pits, dark spots, and other abnormalities. Through the use of digital X-rays and other technology, we can even find decay not visible to the naked eye — such as caries between the teeth.

No Metal Mouth with Composite Resin Fillings

Traditional metal, or amalgam, fillings are functional and strong, but they don’t match tooth color and are unsightly. They may tarnish over time, and even discolor the surrounding tooth. Plus, some patients are allergic to the metal. While we do offer amalgam fillings at Davenport Dental Group, we use composite resin for the majority of our fillings.

Composite resin fillings offer a number of advantages over traditional metal.

  • They are precisely matched to the color of your teeth, so they are invisible in your mouth.
  • They form a stronger bond with your teeth than amalgam fillings.
  • Less drilling may be necessary.
  • Composite resin’s texture enables it to be shaped, sculpted, and polished to look exactly like your tooth surface.
  • Great for people with metal allergies.

The Composite Filling Process

If we’ve determined that you have a cavity and you choose to get a composite resin filling, we will thoroughly clean the cavity and remove every trace of decayed material. We will then flow in the tooth-colored composite resin, and mold it so that it looks totally natural. It will be hardened with a special light, and polished so that the sheen matches the rest of your tooth.

The process is easy and painless. We of course offer local anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing. If you are still anxious, you have the option of getting laughing gas, which is a light form of sedation that helps take the edge off nerves.

If you live in or around Laredo, TX, call Davenport Dental Group for all of your dental needs. We have a convenient online form, or you may call either one of our offices: Junction Drive at 956-242-6745 or Winfield at 956-517-2695.