Restorative Treatment
"My teeth feel sensitive—could it be a cavity?" Complete Guide to Cavity Treatment
Types of cavity treatment in Cheonan (Composite Resin, Inlay, Crown), costs, pain, prevention tips—20 frequently asked questions at Seoul BD Dental Conservative Dentistry A Conservative Dentistry specialist provides detailed answers.
Answered by a Conservative Dentistry specialist
Same-daytreatment available
Covered by Korean NHISBasic treatment
Minimal tooth reductionprinciple
Most Frequently Asked Questions
TOP 3 questions our patients ask most
1
What causes cavities?
Cavities form when oral bacteria break down food (especially sugars) to produce acids, and these acids dissolve the tooth surface (Enamel) and dissolve it, causing cavities.
2
What types of cavity treatments are there?
Depending on the extent of decay: ① Composite Resin (small cavities) ② Inlay/Onlay(moderate cavity) ③ Crown (large cavity) ④ Root Canal Treatment + Crown (severe cavity) ⑤ Extraction + Dental Implant(when the tooth cannot be saved).
3
Will cavity treatment hurt?
We use local anesthesia, so there’s little to no pain during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cavity Treatment 20
Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth break down food (especially sugars) and produce acids that dissolve the tooth’s surface (enamel). Irregular brushing, frequent snacking, and the amount of oral bacteria all contribute.
Depending on how extensive the cavity is, ① Composite Resin (small cavity) ② Inlay/Onlay (moderate cavity) ③ Crown (large cavity) ④ Root Canal Treatment + Crown (severe cavity) ⑤ Extraction + Dental Implant (when the tooth cannot be saved).
We use local anesthesia, so there’s little to no pain during treatment. Even the injection itself is topical anesthesia then administered to minimize any stinging sensation. As the numbness wears off after treatment, you may feel slight sensitivity, which soon resolves.
Composite Resin treatment (covered by Korean NHIS) typically has an out-of-pocket copay of tens of thousands of KRW, while inlays and crowns vary by material. There are items covered by Korean NHIS and non-covered (out-of-pocket) items so we’ll provide an exact estimate after an examination.
Amalgamis silver-colored and noticeable but inexpensive because it’s covered by Korean NHIS. Composite Resin is tooth-colored and more aesthetic with good adhesion, but it may be somewhat less durable than amalgam. Today, resin is the mainstream choice for esthetics and safety.
Limited to the enamel only early-stage cavity is fluoride application and good care can halt progression. However, DentinOnce decay reaches the dentin, it cannot heal on its own and needs early treatment. Regular checkupsare the best way to detect problems early.
Yes—“secondary cavities” can form again at treated sites. If the margin of the filling opens or home care is poor, bacteria can seep in. Regular checkups and proper brushing are key to preventing recurrence.
1) Use fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily 2) Use floss/interdental brushes every day 3) Reduce sugar intake 4) Regular checkups every 6 months + Scaling (Dental Cleaning) ⑤ Sealant treatment (children). Practicing just these five can greatly reduce cavities.
At Seoul BD Dental, we follow a minimally invasive approach to preserve as much healthy tooth as possible. Digital X-rayand an intraoral camera allow for accurate diagnosis, and we’re open 365 days so we can respond quickly to acute pain.
An inlay is a restoration placed within the occlusal surfacegrooves; an onlay extends over the occlusal surface (cusps) and is larger. The choice depends on the extent of decay—onlays are used for larger cavities than inlays. Both are Ceramicor gold can be used.
There’s no single “best” material—it depends on the tooth and situation. For front teeth, esthetics matter, so Composite Resin or all-ceramic are common,molars—require durability, so Zirconiaand gold are suitable. At Seoul BD Dental, we recommend the optimal material for your needs.
Not always. Even if decay is very close to the nerve but the pulp is still healthy, we may place an indirect pulp capping (a nerve-protective medicament) and monitor. However, if bacteria have reached the nerve, Root Canal Treatment becomes necessary.
Yes—this can be a normal response. After treating a deep cavity, sensitivity may last from a few days to a few weeks and usually fades gradually. However, if symptoms worsen or you develop spontaneous pain (pain even at rest), you may need Root Canal Treatment—please visit us.
The bacteria that cause cavities (mutans streptococci) can be transmitted through saliva. In particular, bacteria can spread when a parent puts the child’s spoon in their own mouth or cools food by blowing on it.
Removing an intact amalgam filling purely for cosmetic reasons is not necessary. However, if there is recurrent decay around the amalgam, or if the amalgam is cracked or has lifted, it should be replaced. While mercury is a common concern, the WHO recognizes the safety of existing amalgam fillings.
Sugar itself doesn’t directly create cavities; it feeds oral bacteria that produce acid, which dissolves tooth enamel. The key is how often you consume sugar throughout the day and whether you brush afterward. It’s much better to eat it at once and brush right away than to nibble small amounts frequently.
Yes. When the pits and fissures on the molars’ occlusal (chewing) surfaces are deep, food and bacteria get trapped easily, increasing cavity risk. Sealants (pit-and-fissure sealants) help prevent this. They can be used not only for children but also for adults at high risk of cavities.
A slight odor can come from composite resin or cement materials and usually fades over time. However, if a persistent bad smell continues, there could be a new cavity (recurrent decay) seeping in around the filling—please visit us for a check.
Early cavities are typically painless. By the time pain appears, decay has often progressed deep toward the nerve. Even without pain, treating cavities found during routine checkups early is better for your time, cost, and long-term tooth health.
For children 12 and under, permanent teeth for cavities in Composite resin fillingis covered by Korean NHIS. For adults, resin fillings on non-chewing surfaces (cheek- or tongue-side) may be covered in some cases, but resin on the chewing (occlusal) surface is often non-covered (out-of-pocket).
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If you have questions about cavity treatment, get direct advice from a Seoul BD Dental specialist.
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*This information the Medical Service Act and the medical advertising review standards. Results may vary by individual. Please consult a specialist before deciding.