Fix A Cavity | How, Why, Options

How To Fix A Cavity

Tooth decay impacts patients of all ages and will require restorative treatment. Otherwise, serious complications can arise, such as dental infections or abscesses. Fortunately, we can provide an artistic and cosmetic approach to restorative treatment. We can fix a cavity using lifelike fillings and crowns.

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems on the planet. In fact, almost 90 percent of people will experience at least one cavity during their lives, and many will suffer from cavities much more frequently. Sadly, for years, sufferers of cavities were subjected to restorative treatment that helped restore their oral health, but did nothing for the esthetics of the smile. That’s because noticeable metal fillings were once the primary form of restorative treatment. Fortunately, modern dentists have an alternative, one that is just as functional but much more beautiful than those outdated metal fillings. The option is called tooth-colored fillings, and you might be pleasantly surprised just how well they can improve your smile!

Don’t Ignore Those Symptoms of Dental Decay

Have meals become less enjoyable, lately, because of sensitivity related to one or more of your teeth? Are they particularly painful when you try to enjoy a hot beverage, like a cup of coffee, or sugary treats, like a scoop of ice cream? If so, the discomfort could be caused by a dental cavity. Undiagnosed, cavities can continue to wear away the tooth’s enamel, potentially leading to an infection. Fortunately, if you do seek restorative treatment promptly, you could like enjoy improved comfort quickly, with a minimally invasive dental filling.

Sensitivity is just one of the common warning signs of dental caries, or as they are more commonly called cavities. If you notice discoloration of the teeth, either white patches on the surface of the teeth or dark lines along the crevices of teeth, it could also be due to enamel erosion. If you notice these or other negative changes in your smile, it is best to schedule a checkup as soon as possible. Prompt treatment to fix a cavity can prevent worsening of the issue over time, and prevent infection, as well.

Address Your Problem with a Natural-looking Restoration

The most common dental restorations are for cavity fillings. These help to protect fragile and eroded teeth, in order to prevent further discomfort caused by contact with foods and drinks, but also to prohibit exposure to bacteria, which can cause an infection.

Fortunately, modern dental fillings can be made to look natural. The composite resin material used used to fix a cavity also conducts less heat than metal, making it more comfortable for many patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Cavities

Question: Can you provide a metal free filling?

Answer: Yes! Instead of amalgam fillings, we can use a composite resin, which can be shaded to match the surrounding tooth structure. Placement only takes a single day and can help prevent infection. No one will be able to tell you have a composite filling.

Question: What if I have more severe decay?

Answer: For more advanced cases of decay, we may instead suggest a dental crown. The restoration fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth. We can use them to address cracks, breaks, infections, or to even aid in tooth replacement by restoring dental implant or anchoring bridges in place. We use porcelain to create them, since this is a strong, stain-resistant, and lifelike material.

Question: What is a porcelain fused to metal crown?

Answer: Teeth near the back of the mouth must be able to withstand more powerful bite forces and pressure. As a result, we may suggest a more powerful dental crown. A porcelain fused to metal crown is natural looking, while also offering the strength of a metal restoration.

Question: Can I take steps to prevent future cavities?

Answer: Yes, cavities can be prevented with excellent oral hygiene. After treatment, try changing our daily habits to protect your smile. We suggest daily brushing and flossing. Take time each day to brush your teeth in the morning and again before going to bed. You should also floss every night and make time twice a day for a routine dental cleaning (which can remove all plaque from your teeth, safeguarding your smile against decay and gum disease).

What Can a Dental Filling Do to Protect Your Smile?

Tooth colored fillings are a great way to fix a cavity, because they create a tight seal and provide esthetic benefits, when compared to their predecessors, metal fillings. Dentists will still use metal fillings in certain circumstances when isolation of saliva or blood is a problem.. Otherwise, both dentists and patients tend to prefer the look and feel of tooth colored fillings.

A tooth filling acts as restorative treatment by creating a barrier around a tooth damaged by acidic erosion and decay. This helps stop the erosion, and just as importantly helps prevent an infection, by preventing food particles and bacteria from entering the interior of the tooth. In some cases, particularly with progressed cavities or after root canal treatment, a porcelain dental crown may also be recommended for added protection. But for most cavities, a thorough cleaning and filling is what is advised.