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4Nov 2025

How Do Dentists Fix Cavities? Step-by-Step Fillings in Milpitas

If you’ve been told you have a cavity, you might be wondering what actually happens during a filling. Here’s a clear, no-fluff walkthrough of the process we use at Milpitas Dental Group—what you’ll feel, how long it takes, and how to care for your tooth afterward. Patients visit us from Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, Union City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Alviso for fast, comfortable treatment close to BART and the Great Mall. Tooth decay starts when mouth bacteria make acids that weaken enamel and, if untreated, form a cavity. CDC

First: confirm the cavity

  • Digital X-rays & exam: We verify the size and location of decay (between teeth, on chewing surfaces, or near the gumline).
  • Treatment plan: We’ll discuss options—usually a tooth-colored (composite) filling; for larger decay we may suggest an inlay, onlay, or crown. (Standard treatments vary by severity.) NIDCR

Getting comfortable (numbing)

  • Topical gel: Numbs the surface so the anesthetic injection is barely noticeable.
  • Local anesthetic: Your cheek or lip may feel puffy or tingly for a couple of hours. You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure—only gentle pressure and vibration.

Removing decay

  • Isolation: Cotton rolls or a small shield keep the area dry.
  • Gentle shaping: We remove the softened, infected enamel/dentin and shape the space so the new material bonds well. You’ll hear the handpiece, but you shouldn’t feel sharpness—just vibration.

Building your new tooth (composite filling)

  • Etch & bond: A micro-etch prepares the enamel; a bonding agent is applied so the filling fuses to your tooth.
  • Layering composite: We place tooth-colored material in layers and light-cure each one for strength; proper energy and wavelength are key for long-term performance. ADA
  • Sculpting the bite: We recreate natural grooves so the tooth looks and functions like new.

Bite check & polish

  • Articulating paper: You’ll tap and grind lightly so we can fine-tune any high spots.
  • Shine & smooth: Final polish helps resist staining and makes the restoration feel like natural enamel.

Total chair time: 30–60 minutes for most single fillings (a bit more for multiple teeth).

What will I feel afterward?

  • Numbness: Expect 1–3 hours. Avoid hot drinks and chewing your cheek/lip.
  • Mild sensitivity: Cold or pressure sensitivity can last a few days while the nerve settles—this is normal.
  • When to call us: If biting feels “off” or you get sharp zings that don’t improve within 48–72 hours, we’ll adjust your bite quickly. General after-care guidance is consistent with MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus

How long do fillings last?

Composite fillings commonly last many years with good care.

What if the cavity is large?

If decay is extensive, we may recommend:

  • Inlay/Onlay: A lab-made porcelain or composite piece for extra strength.
  • Crown: A full-coverage “cap” if the tooth is cracked or heavily restored.
  • Root canal + crown: If decay reaches the nerve and causes infection or persistent pain. (All are standard paths when a filling isn’t enough.) NIDCR

Cost, insurance & timing

  • Insurance: Most PPO plans cover a portion of fillings after your deductible.
  • HSAs/FSAs: Eligible expenses you can “cash in” before year-end.

Prevention tips (so you need fewer fillings)

  • Brush 2×/day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily (especially those tight molar contacts)
  • Rinse after sugary snacks or coffee
  • Professional cleaning & checkup every 6 months (Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, Union City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Alviso—easy access). Cavities are common but largely preventable with daily care and regular dental visits.

FAQs

Does a filling hurt?
With proper numbing, you should feel only pressure and vibration.

Can I eat after?
Once numbness wears off. If you must eat sooner, choose soft foods and chew on the opposite side.

Is tooth-colored material strong enough for molars?
Yes—modern composites are designed for chewing forces and can be used in back teeth.

Will my tooth be sensitive forever?
Sensitivity usually fades within days to a couple of weeks. If it persists, we’ll evaluate your bite or rule out deeper issues.

Ready to fix a cavity—fast?

Request an appointment or a benefits check. If you’re near the Great Mall or commuting via BART, we can often see you before/after work or during lunch.


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30Jun 2025

Do I Need a Root Canal? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Call Your Dentist

When it comes to saving a severely damaged or infected tooth, a root canal can make all the difference. While the phrase might strike fear in some patients, the truth is root canals are safe, effective, and often no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling.

At Milpitas Dental Group, we want to help you understand the warning signs of serious dental issues—and when a root canal might be the best option to preserve your natural tooth.

how a root canal works

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) to prevent further infection, pain, or tooth loss. Once the pulp is removed, the space is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a special material, then sealed and restored—often with a dental crown.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

You may not always know that your tooth is in trouble, but there are some common signs to look out for:

🔥 1. Persistent Tooth Pain

Ongoing pain—especially deep in the tooth or jaw—can be a major red flag. The pain may come and go, or feel worse when chewing or applying pressure.

🧊 2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If your tooth hurts when you drink coffee or eat ice cream, and the pain lingers long after, it could mean the pulp inside your tooth is damaged.

😷 3. Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling, tenderness, or even a small pimple-like bump (dental abscess) on the gums can signal infection near the root.

🌫️ 4. Discolored Tooth

A tooth that has become gray or dark may be a sign that the pulp inside is dying due to trauma or infection.

🦷 5. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

An injury—even a small chip—can expose the pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and the need for a root canal.

Common Scenario Example

Case: Sarah from Fremont
Sarah came into our Milpitas office complaining of lingering pain after drinking iced tea. She also noticed her back molar had darkened slightly. After an exam and X-ray, we found infection in the pulp of the tooth. A root canal relieved her pain and saved the tooth—no extraction needed!

FAQs About Root Canals

❓ Is a root canal painful?

Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to getting a filling. With modern anesthesia, you’ll feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.

❓ How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the extent of infection.

❓ What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

Delaying treatment can lead to severe infection, tooth loss, or spread of bacteria to surrounding areas, including your jaw or bloodstream.

❓ Will I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes—especially for back teeth. A crown helps restore the tooth’s strength and function after treatment.

Serving Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont & Beyond

If you’re in Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, Union City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, or Alviso and think you might need a root canal, don’t wait. Early treatment can save your tooth—and your smile.

🦷 Schedule your appointment today with Milpitas Dental Group. We’re here to make root canals as stress-free and comfortable as possible!

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