How do cavities relate to dental fillings?
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American Dental Association answered:The connection between cavities and fillings is that when you have a cavity, a filling is commonly used to treat it. A cavity is a hole caused by tooth decay. The filling is used to fill this hole. There are several different types of materials that can be used for a filling.The connection between cavities and fillings is that when you have a cavity, a filling is commonly used to treat it. A cavity is a hole caused by tooth decay. The filling is used to fill this hole. There are several different types of materials that... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:Dental fillings are what your dentist uses to plug up cavities. Cavities form when bacteria living in your mouth release acids. These acids combine with saliva and food particles left behind after you eat to form a substance called plaque. Plaque sticks to teeth; over time, it can destroy protective tooth enamel, leaving holes called cavities.
Dental fillings made from gold, amalgam (silver-colored filling material) and other materials are used to fix holes and other damage in your teeth so you can eat without worry or discomfort.
Dental fillings are what your dentist uses to plug up cavities. Cavities form when bacteria living in your mouth release acids. These acids combine with saliva and food particles left behind after you eat to form a substance called plaque.... More -
Dr. John Kaminski answered:A cavity means "hole." A filling fills a hole. In layman's terms, cavities mean a decayed tooth. Once these "cavities" are removed, a hole remains and needs to be restored with fillings. There are a variety of different fillings available including silver, tooth colored and gold. Each of these fillings has different characteristics that make one a better choice than the other depending on the situation.
A cavity means "hole." A filling fills a hole. In layman's terms, cavities mean a decayed tooth. Once these "cavities" are removed, a hole remains and needs to be restored with fillings. There are a variety of different fillings available... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Dental fillings are a treatment for cavities. Fillings are generally used when a cavity is not too large. The filling can be silver called amalgam or it can be tooth colored called composite. Larger cavities may require other treatments such as root canals, crowns, or extractions. Your dentist can best advise you as to which treatment would be best for your cavity.Dental fillings are a treatment for cavities. Fillings are generally used when a cavity is not too large. The filling can be silver called amalgam or it can be tooth colored called composite. Larger cavities may require other treatments such as root... More -
Dr. Thomas Connelly answered:A cavity means you have a hole in your tooth. What we do is drill out this hole (to make it bigger) so we can get in there and remove the decay. After cleaning everything out, we use a "filling" to fill the hole. Makes sense, right? Fillings are made of different materials (gold, silver, composite), and are different colors (most fillings now are close to your natural tooth color, but you can still get silver and gold if you want.)
A cavity means you have a hole in your tooth. What we do is drill out this hole (to make it bigger) so we can get in there and remove the decay. After cleaning everything out, we use a "filling" to fill the hole. Makes sense, right? Fillings are... More -
Dr. Saul Miller answered:A dental filling, which may be placed with a variety of materials, restores a fractured, chipped, decayed and sometimes worn tooth. Decay and/or missing filling creates a "hole" in the tooth, or cavity which must be "filled" to restore the form and function of the tooth. When a tooth has extensive deterioration, a large filling can restore the tooth but not necessarily keep the weak areas from fracturing.
When the tooth is extensively broken down, often a crown may be indicated to provide a more secure restoration that can help to prevent fracture and further breakdown of tooth structure.
A dental filling, which may be placed with a variety of materials, restores a fractured, chipped, decayed and sometimes worn tooth. Decay and/or missing filling creates a "hole" in the tooth, or cavity which must be "filled" to restore the form and... More
