Fillings Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Signs I Might Have a Cavity?
Cavities don’t always hurt at first. In fact, early cavities can go completely unnoticed — which is why regular dental visits are so important. Some early signs to look for include:
- Sensitivity to cold, sweets, or biting
- Discoloration (white, brown, or dark spots)
- Food getting stuck between teeth
- Rough edges or a visible hole
How We Detect Cavities at Atlantis Dental?
At Atlantis Dental, we use both digital X-rays and a radiation-free iTero scan to check for cavities.
- X-rays show cavities between the teeth and deeper decay
- The iTero scan helps us detect early surface cavities that may not yet appear on X-rays
- If an X-ray is unclear, we use the scan to avoid unnecessary radiation and still make an accurate diagnosis
Why Did I Get Cavities?
The most common reason? Frequency of eating or sipping.
It’s not just what you eat — it’s how often.
Drinking 1 can of soda all at once = less damage
Sipping that same can over 2 hours = cavity risk skyrockets due to constant acid exposure
Tip: Eat all your sweets in one sitting, then brush and floss — don't snack all day.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment
Cavities never get smaller — they grow and can spread to nearby teeth.
- Early fillings are small and preserve most of your tooth
- Waiting = bigger fillings → possible root canal → crown
- Each replacement shortens a tooth’s lifespan
What to Expect During Cavity Treatment
- Most fillings are done in under an hour
- We typically complete 3–4 small fillings in one visit
- You may return for a quick bite adjustment after the numbness wears off
— it only takes 5 minutes!
How Long Do Fillings Last?
It depends on the size and your cavity risk.
Small, well-done white fillings can last for many years — even decades. But if you keep getting cavities, they may need to be replaced sooner.
How to Prevent More Cavities
- Brush 2x/day — try brushing with baking soda for a week to raise your mouth’s pH
- Floss daily — especially if cavities form between your teeth
- Use a water flosser to lower bacteria levels
- Chew xylitol gum after meals when brushing isn’t possible
- Stay hydrated and avoid sipping sugary drinks all day
If you’ve had cavities in the past 6 months, you're considered high-risk. Your goal: follow your dentist’s prevention plan to lower your risk over time.
What Are the Signs I Might Have a Cavity?
Cavities don’t always hurt at first. In fact, early cavities can go completely unnoticed — which is why regular dental visits are so important. Some early signs to look for include:
- Sensitivity to cold, sweets, or biting
- Discoloration (white, brown, or dark spots)
- Food getting stuck between teeth
- Rough edges or a visible hole
How We Detect Cavities at Atlantis Dental?
At Atlantis Dental, we use both digital X-rays and a radiation-free iTero scan to check for cavities.
- X-rays show cavities between the teeth and deeper decay
- The iTero scan helps us detect early surface cavities that may not yet appear on X-rays
- If an X-ray is unclear, we use the scan to avoid unnecessary radiation and still make an accurate diagnosis
Why Did I Get Cavities?
The most common reason? Frequency of eating or sipping.
It’s not just what you eat — it’s how often.
Drinking 1 can of soda all at once = less damage
Sipping that same can over 2 hours = cavity risk skyrockets due to constant acid exposure
Tip: Eat all your sweets in one sitting, then brush and floss — don't snack all day.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment
Cavities never get smaller — they grow and can spread to nearby teeth.
- Early fillings are small and preserve most of your tooth
- Waiting = bigger fillings → possible root canal → crown
- Each replacement shortens a tooth’s lifespan
What to Expect During Cavity Treatment
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.How Long Do Fillings Last?
It depends on the size and your cavity risk.
Small, well-done white fillings can last for many years — even decades. But if you keep getting cavities, they may need to be replaced sooner.
How to Prevent More Cavities
- Brush 2x/day — try brushing with baking soda for a week to raise your mouth’s pH
- Floss daily — especially if cavities form between your teeth
- Use a water flosser to lower bacteria levels
- Chew xylitol gum after meals when brushing isn’t possible
- Stay hydrated and avoid sipping sugary drinks all day
If you’ve had cavities in the past 6 months, you're considered high-risk. Your goal: follow your dentist’s prevention plan to lower your risk over time.