A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by bacteria. Bacteria feed on the sugars in food and produce acids that dissolve the tooth enamel. If the cavity is not treated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
Dentists remove cavities by first drilling out the decayed tooth material. Then, they clean the area and fill the cavity with a filling material, such as amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer cement. The filling material helps to restore the tooth's strength and prevent further decay.
