As time passed, doctors proved that the best way to stop the pain was to clean and remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth. Root canals are a very common procedure these days, as they help to save the tooth by removing the dead or dying pulp. The pulp exists inside of the tooth, and can spread to abscess if it isn t taken care of. With their color being dark, they are easier to notice than composite or porcelain fillings, and aren t recommended for visible areas of the mouth, especially the front teeth. Composite fillings are a common type of material, as they match the color of your teeth. The material that makes up the composite filling is mixed then placed directly in the cavity, where it hardens. Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust. Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship. You ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety. If you ve had a cold you should replace your toothbrush, simply because the bristles can contain germs that could get you sick all over again. Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they can have an impact on your gums. If the bristles start to get worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to sensitivity. Tobacco users will also suffer from dry mouth, as the tobacco will use up the saliva in the mouth and leave the user with nothing to keep his or her mouth moist. Cavities are a very serious situation, and if left untreated, can result in the destruction of the tooth. This can also destroy the nerves as well, resulting in an abscess. Sometimes, the tooth can also be restored with a composite. Either way, you ll need to make sure that you use extreme caution with the tooth for the next few days. The more moderate fractures, normally include damage to the dentin, pulp, and even the enamel. These fractures can be nothing to worry about at times, yet painful with other cases.