Cavities and fillings

Cavities and fillings are an essential part of dentistry. Caries is the result of the gradual erosion of teeth by bacteria in the mouth. The process usually begins when food debris and sugars accumulate on the surface of the teeth and interact with bacteria to form acid that attacks the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. Signs of decay are brown or black spots on the surface of the tooth, which increase in size over time. If cavities are not treated early, they can lead to further damage to the teeth and cause severe pain. Regarding fillings, they are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by cavities. The damaged portion of the tooth is removed, then filled with a filling material that rebuilds the tooth and enhances its function. Fillings usually consist of materials such as amalgam, glass ionmer, and composite resins. The types of fillings vary depending on the size of the cavity, its location, and the patient’s preferences and health needs.