What can I use for a tooth filling?

Today, several dental filling materials are available. Teeth can be filled with gold; porcelain; silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc, and copper); or tooth-colored, plastic, and materials called composite resin fillings.

Can I fill my teeth myself?

Although you can fill your own cavity at a lower cost than your dentist will charge, it’s not the best solution. Without cleaning out an infection and sanitizing the tooth, you’re only sealing the damage inside. An advanced cavity will lead to an infection that requires root canal treatment.

Can you use superglue to fill a cavity?

You should never use glue to hold your filling. Glue can be toxic and may damage your tooth. Other dentists suggest that the filling should not be put back into your mouth.

Can early stage cavities be reversed?

Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.

How are small cavities treated?

Treatment options include: Fluoride treatments. If your cavity just started, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity in the very early stages. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than the amount found in tap water, toothpaste and mouth rinses.

How do you stop small cavities from growing?

Preventing a Cavity From Getting Worse

Brush Carefully. Everyone knows that brushing is vital to keeping teeth and gums healthy.
Stay Hydrated. When your mouth is very dry, it allows bacteria to accumulate, which can cause cavities.
Use Fluoride.
Rinse With Salt Water.
Avoid Refined Sugars.
Chew Xylitol Gum.

Does filling a small cavity hurt?

Q: Is it painful to have cavity fillings? No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that’s a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.

Can a cavity be too small to fill?

Well, it depends. The good news is that if your cavity is small enough, you probably don’t need to have it filled. Since tooth decay is a slowly-progressing problem, catching cavities in their early stages can save you from needing a filling.